Create opportunities for younger generation, Sanwo-Olu urges women

Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged women in leadership positions to mentor younger women, expand access to opportunities and use their influence to address barriers confronting the next generation.

Sanwo-Olu said women who have attained success in business, the professions and public service should look beyond their personal achievements by preparing younger women for leadership and making it easier for them to succeed.

The governor spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the 26th Annual National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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The conference has as its theme, “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint.”
Sanwo-Olu said the theme challenged participants to consider the examples they were setting, the opportunities they were creating, and the legacy they would leave for future generations.

“I encourage our accomplished women in business, the professions, public service and other fields, to look beyond your individual success. How many younger women are you preparing for success? How many doors are you opening?” he asked.

According to him, the younger generation of women should have access to more opportunities than their predecessors, while girls should be able to pursue their ambitions without being constrained by circumstances beyond their control.

The governor noted that the conference was taking place at a time when many Nigerian families were grappling with difficult economic realities, with women working to sustain businesses, support their families, educate their children and contribute to societal development.

He, however, stressed that resilience alone was insufficient to address the challenges confronting women, calling for practical interventions that would improve their economic and social conditions.

Sanwo-Olu said a small business owner needed access to affordable finance and markets, while young graduates required opportunities for meaningful employment.

He added that mothers needed accessible healthcare and a safe environment in which to raise their children.

He said his administration recognised women’s economic participation as an important component of Lagos State’s development, citing initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support and investments in education and healthcare.

The governor acknowledged that more work remained to be done, stressing that the effectiveness of government policies should be measured by their impact on people’s daily lives.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the importance of institutional continuity, noting that COWLSO had sustained its activities across successive administrations through the contributions of different generations of women.

“Leadership is temporary, but the institutions we strengthen and the opportunities we create can endure long after our tenure,” he said.

He described the 26th edition as particularly significant for him and his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, because it was the eighth and final edition they would host in their current capacities as governor and First Lady of Lagos State.

The governor commended his wife for her commitment to COWLSO and her dedication to improving the welfare of women, children and families.

He also appreciated the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, the leadership and members of COWLSO, and others who had contributed to the success of the annual conference.

Reflecting on last year’s silver jubilee, which was celebrated under the theme, “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” Sanwo-Olu said the organisation must now focus on building on the foundation laid by its founders and previous leaders.

He urged women who would take responsibility for sustaining COWLSO in subsequent administrations to preserve its core values, strengthen programmes that deliver results and respond to the changing needs of women and families.

According to him, the impact of the conference should be evident in businesses it helps to grow, professional relationships it fosters, young women it mentors and opportunities it creates beyond the event.

“If you have knowledge, share it. If you have influence, use it wisely. If you have overcome barriers, help others find an easier path,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu subsequently declared the conference open, expressing hope that the deliberations would be fruitful and beneficial to participants.