The Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Saturday played host to the maiden edition of the Badagry West Women Assembly (BWWA 1.0), a landmark gathering that combined dialogue, solidarity and a large-scale empowerment programme aimed at strengthening the economic capacity of women at the grassroots.

The event, held at Alapa Football Stadium, Ganyingbo, drew hundreds of women from across the LCDA and was themed “Women at the Grassroots: Driving Inclusive Development and Sustainable Community Growth.” It was convened by Mrs Mariam Yemaren, Wife of the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA.

Addressing participants, Mrs Yemaren described women as the backbone of families and communities, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved when women are united and economically empowered.

She explained that the Women Assembly was conceived as a platform for learning, collaboration and collective progress, inspired by the resilience and unity of women across Badagry West.

She expressed appreciation to the council leadership, women leaders, donors and stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the maiden edition.

A major highlight of the programme was the empowerment segment, during which 10 women were personally supported by Mrs Yemaren with bags of rice, beans and garri to help them start foodstuff businesses. In addition, over 400 women benefitted from various forms of support, including refrigerators, cooking gas equipment, gas cylinders, solar lights, standing fans, cash assistance and consolation items.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. #Rikay Yemaren, described the programme as timely and impactful, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to women empowerment, inclusive governance and grassroots development.

According to him, empowering women is central to community growth, as women are not only supporters of government but active partners in governance whose progress directly impacts families and society.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji #Ogunlende (RAK), also addressed the gathering, describing the Women Assembly as a practical demonstration of grassroots empowerment. He noted that the large turnout and scale of beneficiaries reflected a strong commitment to human capacity development and inclusive growth.

Ogunlende disclosed that he personally supported the initiative and advocated for its sustenance as a quarterly programme, stressing that consistent empowerment remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities.

Earlier, Mrs Arinola Ajose, Wife of the late Apex Leader, Dr Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, commended Mrs Yemaren for what she described as an impressive outing for a first-time organiser. She noted that initiatives of this nature help strengthen unity among women while creating sustainable opportunities for self-reliance.

Also speaking, Mrs Elizabeth #Hunpe from Badagry Local Government said the programme reflected the strength and unity of women in the area, adding that such platforms break barriers and encourage collective growth.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Sewede Pot Balogun Olorunfemi, emphasised the importance of women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making, while Special Guest Mrs Abimbola Idowu, Commissioner IV, TESCOM, urged women to embrace education, economic independence and leadership roles.

In his remarks, Hon. #Bamgbose Joseph, Apex Leader of Badagry West LCDA, described the Women Assembly as a unifying development platform and encouraged women to remain focused, united and supportive of initiatives that promote grassroots progress.

The programme attracted women leaders, market women, artisans, professionals and political stakeholders from across the LCDA, marking a significant step towards institutionalising women-focused development initiatives in Badagry West.

Notable attendees included Hon. Princess Sesi Ogungbe (Vice Chairman), Alhaja Kikelomo Ladipo (Apex Woman Leader, Badagry Federation), Alhaja Okejale Osenatu (Apex Woman Leader, Badagry West), Mrs Bukola Bamgbose, and Hon. Mrs Elizabeth Kappo, former Vice Chairman of Badagry Local Government.