Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to invest more in the development and welfare of women, noting that the state cannot attain her full potential “if a significant part of our population is left behind.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this commitment during this year’s International Women’s Day celebration at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, themed: ‘Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment’, stressing that women’s resilience and dedication even in the face of challenges was unquantifiable.
ALSO READ: IWD: Women professionals urge girls to work on self worth
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, posited that empowering women economically is a catalyst to positive change, saying that the state recognised and appreciated the roles of women as mothers, sisters, care givers, among others and, therefore, “necessary for them to be accorded their rightful place in the scheme of life.
“We believe that empowering them economically is a catalyst to positive change. We know and our state recognise and appreciate 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.
“As we celebrate the International Women’s Day today, we reiterate our commitment to invest more in the development and welfare of women and the girl child because we know that we cannot attain our full potential as a state if a significant part of our population is left behind,” the governor said.
The governor appreciated the women, whom he said had contributed and still contributing in diverse but significant ways to the growth and development of Lagos State, assuring them that the state shall continue to support them “to overcome the challenges hindering the attainment of your individual and collective goals.”
He, therefore, called on stakeholders to to partner with the state Government to chart the course of women development for the progress and development of the state and the country at large.
The Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her address, enjoined women especially mothers to give proper home training to their children, saying one of the means of attaining lofty positions was through sound education.
The governor’s wife equally urged mothers to monitor the behavior of their wards and save them from drug abuse, adding: “See the way they behave to save them from drugs.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, noted that investing in women was not just a moral imperative, but “a smart investment in our collective future.”
According to her, supporting and empowering women offers an opportunity to unlock their full potentials, drive economic growth, social development and sustainable progress for all, saying that by providing women with equal opportunities, resources and support enables the society to create a more just, equitable and prosperous society for generations to come.
“In Lagos State, we are 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.
“Through our various programmes, initiatives and partnerships we are working tirelessly to address the root causes of poverty, inequality and discrimination that hold women back,” the commissioner stated.
She equally called on all stakeholders, including government and civil societies to accelerate progress towards gender – equality and women’s empowerment, adding: “Let us commit to cream a more inclusive, diverse and supportive environment where every woman and girl can reach her full potential to contribute meaningfully to the society.“
and then