By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening systems that protect women’s rights while expanding opportunities for their economic and social advancement.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the strategic importance of empowering women as a driver of inclusive growth.
“The International Women’s Day celebration must move us from awareness to enforcement, from promises to performance, from celebration to structural change,” he said, emphasising that his administration would continue building a Lagos where rights are guaranteed, justice is uncompromised, and women and girls have access to meaningful opportunities.
Aligned with the 2026 IWD theme, “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state would prioritise social protection, legal enforcement, and leadership opportunities for women. “When government gives access to education, we gain productivity. When we give protection under the law, we gain safer communities. When we give women economic opportunity, we gain inclusive growth,” he said.
The Governor also urged public institutions and the private sector to take deliberate steps toward gender inclusion, stressing that investment in women delivers measurable social and economic returns.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State First Lady, echoed the Governor’s remarks, calling for practical action beyond symbolic gestures. She highlighted the need to strengthen women’s confidence, resilience, and leadership capacity while expanding access to finance and economic opportunities that support sustainable businesses and national development.
“Progress must go beyond aspiration. It is time to move from words to action—ensuring justice is accessible and opportunities are intentional for every woman and girl,” she said.
Earlier, Hon. Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stressed collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners as essential for advancing gender equality. “Empowering women through entrepreneurship and digital training remains key to sustainable development,” she said.
Other speakers at the event, including Mrs. Iyabo Eletu, Lagos APC Women Leader, and Hon. Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, called for increased leadership opportunities and policy initiatives to strengthen women’s rights and representation in public office.
Guest speaker Justice Atinuke Oluyemi (rtd) urged greater protection for women and children against exploitation and discrimination, emphasising justice, enforcement, and inclusion. She also called for more women in politics and governance at state and national levels.
The 2026 IWD celebration brought together political leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations, and young advocates to review progress and chart a path toward a more inclusive and equitable future for women in Lagos State. Participants stressed that achieving real gender equality requires sustained policy implementation, institutional support, and collective action to ensure women and girls enjoy dignity, safety, and equal opportunities.
