Change Only Possible When Policy Is Rooted In Reality, Shaped By Data & Driven By Empathy, Says UDEME UFOT, Board Chairman PIC
Udeme Ufot, the board Chairman for Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), has said that transformative change is only possible when policy is rooted in reality, shaped by data, and driven by empathy.
He said this in his remark at the launch of the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment Policy Roadmap held today at Muson Centre, Lagos.
Udeme Ufot, who is also the Group Managing Director, SO&U, a foremost creative advertising and communications agency, noted that the event is not just a policy launch, but a significant milestone in the stakeholders’ shared vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society.
The Chairman of PIC who commended the resolute leadership of the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, and all the MDAs, partners, and stakeholders who brought the vision to life further stated that the launch also signals the State’s clear commitment to creating an enabling environment where every woman has the opportunity to contribute fully and meaningfully to economic development.
His words, “Let us remember, when we invest in women, we invest in the strength, stability, and success of families, communities, and nations. Together, let us build a Lagos where women are not only empowered but lead in shaping the future.
“As Chairman of the Policy Innovation Centre, I am proud of the role we have played in facilitating this important process, one that was grounded in collaboration, inclusivity, and evidence. This roadmap is the result of extensive engagement with women across all walks of life in Lagos, including women with disabilities, market women, young innovators, the elderly, and leaders in both the formal and informal sectors. Their voices shaped this vision, and their aspirations are what this policy seeks to fulfil.”
He further explained that, “The work ahead is significant, but it is also promising. Implementation will demand bold thinking, strategic partnerships, and above all, accountability. At the Policy Innovation Centre, we are ready to walk this journey with Lagos State, offering continuous support to ensure that this roadmap becomes a living, breathing instrument of progress.”
The Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment ( WEE) Policy Roadmap has five key pillars, which are Agriculture; Entrepreneurship; Traditional Labour Market; Emerging Industries; Education and Skill Acquisition.
Through these pillars, the policy seeks to bridge existing gender gaps, strengthen financial inclusion, promote digital and technological equity, and advance women’s leadership in critical sectors.
Lagos is second to Kaduna State as a sub-national entity to domesticate the national policy.
The Policy Roadmap is developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address the systemic challenges faced by womenfolk.
Speaking at the Launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who did the unveiling of the event, said, “Lagos State, as we know, is Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, teeming with opportunities across various sectors. However, despite our economic vibrancy, women, who constitute nearly half of our population, continue to face substantial barriers in education, skill acquisition, access to finance, and participation in both traditional and emerging industries, including agriculture and technology.”
“This roadmap aligns not only with our state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for advancing the support for Nigerian women.
The minister said, “I am happy to be in Lagos. Lagos is a beacon of diversity and development. Lagos reflects the possibility of gender inclusivity.
“As we launch the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment, I urge you to increase budget allocation for women empowerment. WEE is not a standalone instrument; it aligns with Nigeria’s development plan,” she stated.
The minister, however, stated that despite having over 50 per cent of the women’s population in the country, only 4.3 per cent are female members of the national Assembly, noting “when women are absent in the decision-making process, it affects maternal issues.”