Next 50yrs’ll witness womenfolk doing more to strengthen Lagos economy― Adebule

Women in politics, trade and business have been called upon to continue partnering Lagos and lend their support to economic growth and development of the state in order to ensure that upcoming generations of women and professionals find a space to fully realise their potentials.

The concerned women reached the resolution at a symposium organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos, as part of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the state.

In attendance at the symposium were the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Aderanti Adebule; Senator representing Lagos Central in the National Assembly, Oluremi Tinubu; president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Mrs. Nike Akande; special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diapora matters, hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among others.

Speaking at the event with the theme: “The contribution of women to the development of Lagos in the past 50 years,” Mrs. Ambode, who acknowledged the roles women had played in politics, business, commerce and in different professions, said the next 50 years would witness the womenfolk doing more to further strengthen the position of Lagos as Nigeria’s economic hub.

“We wish to assure that the women of Lagos State will not draw back. We are determined to do more, to help the state maintain its position in the federation as first among equals,” she said.

The deputy governor, Dr. Adebule, in her remark, said the 50th anniversary of the state presented an avenue for women to take stock and challenge themselves to do more especially by supporting programmes and policies of government geared towards further developing the state.

Adebule assured that the state government on its part would not relent but continue to provide the necessary opportunities in order to ensure that more women could be actively involved in the process of governance, politics and decision making that would make life worthwhile for all in the state.

“We will also ensure that women’s interest, welfare and safety are guaranteed and given top priority to ensure continued participation in governance,” she said.

Speaking also, Senator Tinubu, said notwithstanding the progress so far made in Lagos, more could still be done to advance the course of women and society.

“We still have a large number of our women without access to advanced education and there are women desperately in need of support to lift them out of poverty and degrading relationships.

“We must intensify our advocacy work and devise a holistic strategy to equip women to become even more relevant to the progress of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu said.