As Lagos State joined the rest of the world on Saturday to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day, the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the state is committed to bridging the gender gap.
He noted that the occasion underscored the urgency of addressing persistent inequalities and barriers that hinder women from realising their full potential.
The governor spoke on Friday at the carnival ceremony organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation with the theme, ‘Accelerate Action’ held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the Onikan area of Lagos.
He said the occasion remained a reminder of the essential role women play in shaping societies and driving progress.
He said, ’’In Lagos State, we are not just echoing this theme, we are embodying it through deliberate policies and initiatives that empower women across all sectors.
“From expanding economic opportunities to ensuring access to quality healthcare and education, our administration remains steadfast in bridging the gender gap.
“Through programmes like HE for SHE, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women are seen and heard, included, and empowered.
“We have made significant investments in initiatives designed to empower and uplift women, fostering self-sufficiency, leadership, and economic participation.’’
Sanwo-Olu said that through 19 skills acquisition centres and the Women Development Centre, the state provides tuition-free training across various skill areas, equipping women with the tools they need to thrive independently.
He added, “Our policies are dedicated to protecting women from gender-based violence while also creating opportunities for them to assume leadership roles in governance and decision-making.
“Additionally, we facilitate access to credit facilities and entrepreneurial support, enabling female entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses.”
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, said women are the backbone of families, communities, and economies.
Dada emphasised that women had continued to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and contribute immensely to national development across the world.
She said, ’’Despite these achievements, we still face persistent challenge, gender inequality, economic disparity, gender-based violence, and limited access to quality education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities.’’
To this end, the commissioner called on all stakeholders, government, civil society organisations, the private sector, and individuals to work collaboratively in accelerating the actions needed to close the gender gap.