WAPA Celebrates 2025 Retirees’ Legacy of Service at Emotional Send-Off

Lagos – The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) marked a poignant milestone on Tuesday with its 2025 Retirement Ceremony, held in the ministry’s conference room. The event paid tribute to a cohort of dedicated officers who bowed out after years of exemplary service to both the ministry and the broader Lagos State Public Service.

In her keynote address, Honourable Commissioner Bolaji Cecilia Dada hailed the retirees as “pillars of progress.” Under her stewardship since her 2023 appointment, WAPA has spearheaded initiatives like the state’s Women Economic Empowerment Programme, which has trained over 5,000 women in vocational skills amid rising urban poverty challenges. “Your dedication, professionalism, and quiet commitment have shaped impactful programmes that transformed lives of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across Lagos,” she stated. Dada urged the honourees to view retirement not as an end, but as “a season of fulfilment, rest, and renewed purpose,” echoing the ministry’s ethos of sustained community impact.

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, delivered a stirring vote of thanks, congratulating the retirees on their “disciplined and faithful service.” A career civil servant with deep roots in Lagos public administration, Onigbanjo highlighted how their efforts fortified WAPA’s mandate, aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda for social inclusion and poverty reduction. She extended heartfelt appreciation to the retirees’ families, acknowledging the “sacrifices and unwavering support” that underpinned their careers.

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Speaking for the group, Mr. Ashimi, retired Principal of WAPA’s Skills Acquisition Centre in Isheri, conveyed profound gratitude. The centre, a flagship facility, has empowered thousands with tailoring, ICT, and entrepreneurship training, directly tackling unemployment in underserved communities. “We thank the Lagos State Government and WAPA leadership for the enabling environment that fostered growth, learning, and service,” Ashimi said. He praised Commissioner Dada, Permanent Secretary Onigbanjo, and ministry staff for their “mentorship, cooperation, and support,” while commending fellow retirees for their “spirit of unity and teamwork” that drove programme successes.

Reflecting personally, Ashimi described his civil service tenure as “a proud chapter,” filled with opportunities to equip women, men, and youth with life-changing skills. This aligns with WAPA’s 2025 milestones, including partnerships with NGOs for skills programs that reached over 2,000 beneficiaries, per ministry reports.

The ceremony wrapped up amid applause, prayers, and goodwill messages, reaffirming WAPA’s pledge to honor service, preserve legacies, and nurture institutional memory. As Lagos navigates economic pressures and security concerns in 2026, such events underscore the human backbone of public service.