The United Nations (UN) has concluded arrangements to partner Lagos State Government to drive women economic empowerment through affirmative procurement.
Speaking yesterday in Ikeja at a stakeholders’ consultative programme organised by the UN Women Organisation, in collaboration with the Lagos Sate Public Procurement Agency, the Director General of the agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, hailed the body for its collaboration and interest in the state, as one of the pilot scheme states, along with Kaduna.
The Programme Officer, Women’s Economic Empowerment, UN Women Nigeria, Mrs. Patience Ekechukwu, said the reason for the project UN Women, in collaboration with Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, was to promote the affirmative procurement initiative in Nigeria.
Lagos State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, Public Procurement Agency Governing Board, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, represented by Dr. Oluwole Isaac, hailed the United Nations for partnering the agency as well as ensuring gender equity.
Head of Service Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo, restated the commitment of the state to work with any agency that had the interest of women at heart
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, represented by Miss Anu Thomas, said he was excited to be part of such a programme geared towards the emancipation of women.