The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has empowered 250 women-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with practical training on how to access funding to scale their impact.
The capacity-building event, held on Tuesday in Lagos, focused on enhancing the financial sustainability of NGOs working to uplift women. Themed “A Practical Approach to Sourcing and Accessing Funding for Non-Profit Organisations,” the training was designed to tackle one of the major challenges facing NGOs – access to finance.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jibike Onigbanjo, said the initiative was part of government efforts to equip organisations with the skills needed to fund and expand their interventions.
“This training demonstrates our continued commitment to strengthening women-focused NGOs through knowledge and capacity building,” Dada said. “These organisations play a vital role in promoting women’s welfare and economic empowerment.”
She added that the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Agenda and aims to help NGOs secure local and international grants.
Dada noted that the Lagos State Government had created an enabling environment for NGOs to thrive, but stressed the need for strategic and informed approaches to funding.
Participants were urged to maximise the opportunity to expand their reach and improve the lives of women across Lagos and beyond.
Training facilitator Dr. Ayodeji Abdul-Rauf encouraged NGOs to remain consistent and focused. He noted that funding challenges could be overcome through resilience and alignment with like-minded donors or foundations.
Mrs. Gbemisola Babatunde, Director of the NGO Unit at the ministry, said the training is held annually to support registered NGOs and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ongoing collaboration.
