By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has offered explanations to why his government cannot afford to subsize continuous commitment to empowerment of women and their capacity development in the State.
Sanwo-Olu who spoke at the event of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the State’s Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Lagos, explained that the “we cannot attain our full potential as a State if a significant part of our population is left behind.”
According to him, empowering women is a catalyst to positive change, hence the need to invest significantly to build their human capacity.
“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,” 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.
“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.”
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.”
He enjoined stakeholders to partner with the State Government in the course of women development for the progress and development of the State and the Country at large.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged and expressed gratitude to “women who have contributed and are still contribute in diverse but significant ways to the growth and development of Lagos State.”
“Your hard work, resilience and dedication even in the face of challenges is unquantifiable and we shall continue to support you to overcome the challenges hindering the attainment of your individual and collective goals,” the Governor said.
On the challenges posed by the removal of subsidy on petrol and other policies he said were being implemented “to rescue the economy from imminent collapse,” he thanked Lagosians for their “patience, endurance and preservation during this trying period in the history of our nation.”
He promised that “the State Government will not rest on our oars on efforts to ameliorate the effects on the lives of vulnerable Lagosians.”
In her remarks, 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.
Speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs 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.”
“As the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State, I am proud to witness the incredible strides that women have made in the society. Women are the backbone of our communities, driving change, innovation and progress in every aspect of life,” she said.
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.”
“When we support and empower women, we unlock their full potentials, drive economic growth, social development and sustainable progress for all,” she said.
She said the State Government is committed to championing the rights and well-being of women, “even as we ensure they have the right tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.”
She applauded and appreciated the fundamental contributions of Governor Sanwo-Olu who she described as “our HeforShe Governor of Lagos State” for “his commitment towards emancipation, protection and empowerment of women of Lagos State that has significantly impacted lives and restored peaceful coexistence.”