SANWO-OLU, WIFE URGE BOLD ACTION TO ADVANCE WOMEN’S RIGHTS, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AT IWD 2026 (PHOTOS)
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
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.
He emphasised that empowering women economically remains a strategic pathway to inclusive growth, adding that investments in social protection, legal enforcement, and leadership opportunities for women will continue to form a key part of the state’s development agenda.
Sanwo-Olu made this known on Tuesday at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The event drew public office holders, policymakers, and advocates who stressed the need to translate gender equality commitments into tangible results.
According to the Governor, the International Women’s Day celebration must move us “from awareness to enforcement, from promises to performance, from celebration to structural change.”
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to build a Lagos where rights are guaranteed, justice is uncompromised, and action delivers opportunities for all women and girls.
“Lagos State stands firmly, aligned with the global call of International Women’s Day 2026, themed ‘Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls. This theme is deliberate. It demands responsibility. It challenges governments to move beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable outcomes.
“Gender inclusion and protection remain embedded in our development blueprint under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda. Sustainable growth cannot occur where half the population is denied opportunity, safety, or voice. Rights must be protected by law and reinforced by systems,” he said.
Speaking on the campaign message for this year’s celebration, themed ‘Give to Gain’, Sanwo-Olu noted, “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. When we give girls the right environment to thrive, we gain innovation and long-term development.
‘Give to Gain’ is not a slogan. It is a governance principle grounded in evidence and accountability. It reflects the understanding that investment in women yields measurable social and economic returns.
“As we move forward, I charge those in positions of authority to ensure that their influence strengthens rights and advances justice, while the private sector plays its part in expanding opportunity and inclusion. Our public institutions must remain anchored in accountability, firm, consistent, and non-negotiable. And to the women and girls of Lagos State, this administration stands resolute in its commitment to protect your rights, enforce justice, and sustain meaningful action.”
Also speaking, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stressed that the commemoration of International Women’s Day should inspire meaningful change rather than remain symbolic.
She underscored the need to strengthen women’s confidence, resilience, and leadership capacity, while expanding access to finance and economic opportunities that enable women to build sustainable businesses and contribute to 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. Let us support more women for elective positions in the forthcoming election. We need more women in public offices. Let us strengthen the support system. Let the rights of women be protected at home, in the community and in institutions,” she said.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners in advancing gender equality.
“We must recommit ourselves to building systems that protect rights and create opportunities. Empowering women through entrepreneurship and digital training remains key to sustainable development,” Dada stated.
In her remarks, the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Iyabo Eletu, reaffirmed the need to empower women through leadership opportunities and female-led businesses, noting that collective efforts are essential to accelerate progress for women across the state.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, urged women to continue supporting one another while advocating for policies and initiatives that promote their welfare and advancement.
She added that sustained collaboration among government institutions, community leaders, and development partners remains critical to ensuring that women and girls thrive in a safe and enabling environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Atinuke Oluyemi (rtd) called for stronger commitment to protecting women and children from exploitation and discrimination, urging stakeholders to prioritise justice, enforcement, inclusion, and social protection.
She also advocated for increased representation of women in politics and governance, encouraging women to rise and secure more positions in public offices at both state and national levels.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously called for stronger institutional support, economic empowerment, and deliberate action to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls, stressing that achieving real gender equality requires more than rhetoric.
They maintained that consistent policy implementation, inclusive governance, and collective action remain essential to ensuring women and girls enjoy dignity, safety, and equal opportunities.
The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos brought together political leaders, women leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations, and young advocates to reflect on progress made while charting a path toward a more inclusive and equitable future for women in the state.
International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also serving as a global call to action for accelerating gender equality.
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