Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, promised his administration would invest more in women in the state through empowerment so as to improve capacity development.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
He said his administration, since 2019 has empowered over 100,000 in various skills, through both short and long term vocation programmes.
“We believe that empowering them economically is a catalyst to positive change. We know and our state recognises and appreciates the roles of women as mothers, as sisters, care givers, among others. It is therefore necessary for them to be accorded their rightful place in the scheme of life,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
He mentioned that his government is working to create an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to contribute, participate and thrive irrespective of gender, ethnic or cultural affiliation.
According to him, “gender equality is a fundamental aspect of social inclusion and our administration is dedicated to advancing rights of women and girls in Lagos State, that’s why we are relentlessly investing in various developmental and empowerment programmes geared towards promoting gender equality, combating discrimination and gender based violence.
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He therefore called for all stakeholders “to work together regardless of physical ability to create a more equitable, inclusive and just society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said women must awaken to the challenge of societal demands by being responsive.
She called on them to venture into optimising opportunities, while learning new things using the aid of information technologies.
The Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada, while remarking on the theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress“, said the theme is “a call to action that resonates deeply with the core values of empowerment, equality and inclusive that we uphold in Lagos State.”
While recognising that there are still barriers and challenges that women face, particularly in the areas of access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and representation in leadership roles, she said “investing in Women is not just a moral imperative, it is a smart investment in our collective future.”
She said the state government is committed to championing the right and well – being of women, “even as we ensure they have the right tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.”
