Sanwo-Olu Women Empowerment: Lagos governor calls for decisive action to protect rights, expand opportunity, and drive inclusive growth for women and girls

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for decisive action to protect women’s rights and expand economic opportunities, stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved without full inclusion of women.

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Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that safeguard women and promote their social and economic advancement.

“The International Women’s Day celebration must move us from awareness to enforcement, from promises to performance, from celebration to structural change,” the governor said, highlighting the event’s theme, “Rights.

Justice. Action for All Women and Girls,” as a call for responsibility and measurable outcomes.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, noting that sustainable growth requires that half the population is neither denied opportunity nor safety.

He explained the government’s “Give to Gain” campaign, stressing that investments in women translate directly into societal and economic benefits.

“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. ‘Give to Gain’ is a governance principle grounded in evidence and accountability,” he said.

First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged that the celebration move beyond symbolic gestures, calling for real action to expand opportunities for women in elective and leadership positions and strengthen support systems across communities and institutions.

Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, encouraged stronger collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to empower women through entrepreneurship and digital skills training.

Other stakeholders, including APC Women Leader Iyabo Eletu and House Committee Chairman on Women Affairs, Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, called for sustained policy efforts and increased representation of women in leadership roles.

Guest speaker Justice Atinuke Oluyemi stressed the importance of justice, inclusion, and social protection to combat exploitation and discrimination.

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Participants at the event agreed that achieving gender equality requires deliberate policies, institutional support, and collective action to ensure women and girls enjoy equal opportunities, safety, and dignity.