IWD: Sanwo-Olu, Wife Canvass Bold Action to Secure Women’s Rights, Economic Power

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening systems that protect women’s rights while expanding opportunities for their economic and social advancement.

Sanwo-Olu said empowering women economically remained a strategic pathway to inclusive growth, stating that investments in social protection, legal enforcement, and leadership opportunities for women will continue to form part of the state’s development agenda.

He spoke on Tuesday during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organised by Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Public office holders, policymakers and advocates, at the occasion, highlighted the need to translate gender equality commitments into tangible results.

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

He said his administration will continue to build a Lagos where rights were guaranteed, justice was uncompromised, and action delivered opportunity for all women and girls.

The governor stated, “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.”

Speaking on the campaign message for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Give to Gain,” Sanwo-Olu said, “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.”

He said, “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.”

First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stressed that the commemoration of International Women’s Day should inspire meaningful change rather than symbolic gestures.

She also emphasised the importance of strengthening 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.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said, “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.”

Speaking earlier, 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.

Dada stated, “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.”

In her remarks, Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Iyabo Eletu, reaffirmed the importance of empowering women through leadership opportunities and female-led businesses, adding that collective efforts are needed to accelerate progress for women across Lagos State.

Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, in her address, encouraged women to continue to support one another while advocating policies and initiatives that promote their welfare and advancement.

Oyekan-Olumegbon stated that sustained collaboration among government institutions, community leaders, and development partners was essential to ensuring that women and girls thrived in a safe and enabling environment.

Guest Speaker, Justice Atinuke Oluyemi (rtd), called for greater commitment to protecting women and children from exploitation and discrimination, urging stakeholders to prioritise justice, enforcement, inclusion, and social protection.

Oluyemi advocated more women’s representation in politics and governance, calling on women to rise up and ensure they have more representation in public offices at the state and national levels.

The political leaders, policymakers and 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 real gender equality requires more than rhetoric.

They agreed that achieving gender equality required consistent policy implementation, inclusive governance, and collective action to ensure 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 towards a more inclusive and equitable future for women in Lagos State.