The Lagos state government Monday reiterated the need to allow women to play key roles in conflict resolutions as part of actions to localise the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1,325 and the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
The state affirmed that giving women prominent roles is no longer a matter of global compliance, but critical investment in sustainable peace, inclusive governance and community resilience.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said the ministry recognises the vital intersection between peace, security and public health, affirming that: “We are acutely aware that conflict, insecurity, and gender-based exclusion compromise access to healthcare, disrupt essential services, and deepen vulnerabilities, especially among women, girls, and marginalised populations.”
He spoke at the opening ceremony of a 3- Day Stakeholders Workshop on Localisation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1,325 in Lagos state, organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Global Network of Women Peace-builders (GNWP) and the Global Affairs Canada.
He added that the state is committed to mainstreaming gender-sensitive approaches within health policies and emergency response systems.
Abayomi, who was represented by the special assistant to the governor on health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, said, “We believe that amplifying the voices of women, youth, and grassroots actors in decision-making processes is essential to driving meaningful change.”
The commissioner added that the efforts made through the engagement to localise resolution “deeply aligned with our broader vision for equitable and inclusive development across Lagos state.”