‌‌Social Change Advocacy

LAPO drives systemic change—lifting marginalized voices, challenging inequities, and advancing policies that ensure every person has a fair opportunity to thrive. Rooted in community empowerment, LAPO moves beyond service delivery to confront the structural drivers of poverty, gender injustice, and social exclusion in Nigeria.

Through influential platforms such as the Annual LAPO Development Forum, Bridging-The-Gap TV, You & LAPO Radio, the LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA), and the NGO/CBO Mentorship Programme, LAPO strengthens civic engagement, builds resilient civil society institutions, and ensures that the voices of everyday citizens—especially women and youth—shape national dialogue.

For more than three decades, these advocacy initiatives have informed policy reforms, deepened public understanding of health and economic issues, and empowered communities to demand transparency and accountability. LAPO’s work reflects the core values of global social justice movements: equity, empowerment, and the conviction that sustainable progress occurs when people are informed, engaged, and supported.

At LAPO, we stand firm in championing stronger communities, fairer systems, and a future where opportunity is accessible to all.

‌Solutions we have provided

‌‌‌‌LAPO Annual Development Forum

‌‌‌‌The LAPO Annual Development Forum, established in 1994, addresses critical poverty-related issues and explores practical solutions for national development. The forum brings together stakeholders from academia, government, labor, the diplomatic corps, and civil society organizations.

‌ Over its 28 sessions, the forum has tackled key challenges such as food security, financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, gender equity, sustainable development, and civic participation. Distinguished speakers, including former Nigerian Presidents General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan, have graced past editions.

‌‌‌‌ Held every mid-October to align with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the forum underscores LAPO's commitment to addressing poverty and destitution in Nigeria.

‌‌‌‌‌LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA)

‌‌‌‌‌The LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA) has become a significant part of our institution, celebrated annually in honor of International Women’s Day. Established in 2013, the award recognizes and rewards women who have made remarkable contributions in business, farming, and professional careers, creating sustainable impact.

‌‌Over the years, 30 outstanding women have been honored as LOWLA winners from 2013 to 2022.

‌‌‌‌‌‌Bridging-the-Gap (BTG) TV Programme

‌‌‌‌‌‌Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a 30-minute TV program dedicated to bringing the challenges of gender inequality, social and political exclusion, and poverty into the public conversation. For over 19 years, this in-house produced program has aired weekly on various TV stations, reaching over 10 million viewers across Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, and Oyo states.

‌‌The show features a dynamic presentation format, including interviews, discussions, vox populi, and roleplay. You can also follow BTG online at: www.facebook.com/bridgingthegaptcshow.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌You & LAPO Radio Programme

‌‌The show features a dynamic presentation format, including interviews, discussions, vox populi, and roleplay. You can also follow BTG online at: www.facebook.com/bridgingthegaptcshow.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Communication for Development

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌This innovative communication approach focuses on reaching low-income individuals, with particular attention on social and economic exclusion, micro-business management, health issues, and customs and traditions that limit women's potential. The program uses Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, alongside focused group discussion (FGD) sessions, as its primary methods of intervention.