Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday reiterated the readiness of his administration to sustain the campaign against all kinds of gender-based abuse and violence by strengthening the capacity of relevant government institutions in order to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello spoke at the ground breaking ceremony of the Women Multi-purpose centre held at Agidingbi Primary School, Agidingbi, Ikeja added that the government is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all, irrespective of their gender differences.
According to him, in furtherance of this goal and relevant parts of Sustainable Development Goals, the State government is willing and ready to partner with non-governmental and civil society organizations in the areas of public enlightenment, education and sensitization in all parts of the State.
He said the full growth potential of Lagos as a State can only be achieved when both men and women are given the opportunity to contribute their quota without discrimination.
He explained that the ground breaking Multipurpose Centre is expected to be a One-Stop-Centre providing various services for women
He stressed that it would provide the right environment for women, resources catering for specific needs of women and also would give succour to those experiencing various kinds of challenges.
“Today, we are witnessing another milestone event in furtherance of this administration’s commitment to the empowerment and general well-being of women in Lagos State. It is a well- known fact that women have a crucial role to play in nation building and therefore must be adequately catered for in terms of capacity building, social inclusion and protection against violence in all forms” he said.
Ambode assured all women across the state that the present administration’s determination is to ensure that the project is delivered on scheduled time and complemented with the required materials and human resources.
Earlier his remarks, the Commissioner for women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande stated that the centre is to house many crucial arms which includes Women Empowerment Unit, Crises Management and Counselling Unit, cafeteria, play room for children whilst the mothers are busy, Conference and Multipurpose Hall for Entertainment, Mediation and Mentoring Unit, Group Therapy Unit, Skill acquisition display hall, Sick Bay, Library and Recreational facilities among others.
He added that the edifice, upon completion is expected to provide multidimensional solutions to issues affecting unemployment welfare, survival and upliftment of women in Lagos as a whole.