IWD 2025: SANWO-OLU PLEDGES STRONGER SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, UNVEILS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES
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By Oduola F.A
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusiveness to achieve gender equality and sustainable development. Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that his government will continue implementing policies and initiatives that uplift women across all sectors.
The event, themed “Accelerate Action,” served as a rallying call for bold and decisive steps to bridge gender gaps. Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos is not just echoing the theme but actively embodying it through its THEMES+ agenda, ensuring that women are seen, heard, and given equal opportunities.
He stressed that International Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the essential role women play in shaping society and driving progress.
As part of efforts to support women, the Governor announced the distribution of thousands of climate-friendly stoves to women at the event, with further distributions set to take place at the local government level.
This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability while providing women with practical tools for daily living.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to empower women, Sanwo-Olu pointed to various programs, including the He for She initiative, which encourages men to actively participate in gender equality efforts.
He also underscored the importance of skill development, noting that Lagos offers tuition-free training across 19 Skills Acquisition Centers and the Women Development Centre, equipping women to become self-sufficient. In addition, access to credit facilities and entrepreneurial support has been expanded to help female entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of mental health, urging women to prioritize their well-being amid their multidimensional roles in society. He commended his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her advocacy in maternal and child healthcare, noting how her efforts have amplified the voices of countless women.
He also recognized the contributions of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, for their unwavering support in advancing gender equality.
Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu assured women that policies would continue to be strengthened to provide equal opportunities in governance and business, ensuring no one is left behind.
Hon. Bolaji Dada praised the administration for championing women’s empowerment and revealed that the Lagos State Executive Council has approved the domestication of the Economic Empowerment Policy in Higher Institutions.
The event featured insightful lectures from key speakers. Professor Olurotimi Coker, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, spoke on the link between positive mental health and women’s well-being, encouraging them to adopt stress management techniques such as dancing, laughing, and journaling.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, urged women to explore opportunities in the circular economy to achieve financial independence.
The celebration saw top government officials and women’s groups from all 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in attendance. Dressed in a touch of purple, they participated in a vibrant march-past, symbolizing unity and strength.
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