WAPA Seeks Spiritual Backing for 2026 Goals

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) began the year 2026 on a spiritual note with a high-profile visit from the Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light. Rev. Dr. Dele Ajayi, accompanied by a delegation of ministers, visited the Ministry on January 2nd to offer prayers and support for the leadership and staff. This visit highlights the intersection of faith and governance in Lagos, as the Ministry prepares to tackle the socio-economic challenges facing women and vulnerable families in the coming months.

The Chaplain’s prayers were specifically tailored to support WAPA’s implementation of the "Plus" component of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Development Agenda. This ambitious framework focuses heavily on social protection, gender equity, and poverty alleviation areas where WAPA plays a leading role. By seeking divine wisdom for the Ministry's leadership, the religious delegation aimed to fortify the staff’s resolve to execute people-centered policies that directly impact the grassroots.

​During the session, special intercessions were made for the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, and her entire team. The ministers prayed for the strength and discernment necessary to manage the Ministry’s diverse portfolio, which ranges from family welfare to economic empowerment programs. This spiritual exercise was seen as a way to ground the Ministry’s technical work in a sense of higher purpose and community service as the new administrative year kicks off.

​In her response, Mrs. Onigbanjo expressed deep appreciation for the visit, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the Governor’s vision of inclusive and compassionate governance. She noted that the Ministry’s goals for 2026 are focused on advancing the welfare of all Lagosians, ensuring that no one is left behind in the state's march toward progress. The visit served as a morale booster for the staff, blending professional duty with a sense of communal and spiritual solidarity.

This engagement underscores the collaborative spirit of the Lagos State Government, where religious institutions and government ministries work in harmony to foster a stable and prosperous environment. As WAPA moves forward with its 2026 programs, the echoes of these prayers serve as a reminder of the human element at the heart of policy-making. The Ministry stands ready to transform these spiritual blessings into tangible benefits for the women and children of Lagos State.