Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has delivered a strong message on gender equity, urging immediate action to accelerate progress.
Alongside his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, the governor led the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration under the theme “Accelerate Action”—a rallying call to move beyond words and implement real change.
Speaking at the event, which gathered women from all 20 local government areas and 57 LCDAs, Sanwo-Olu stressed that achieving gender parity at the current pace could take more than five generations.
“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps toward achieving gender equality,” he stated.
The Governor reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to bridging the gender gap through initiatives such as “HE for SHE”, free vocational training at Women Development Centres, and financial support for female entrepreneurs.
“Our policies are dedicated to protecting women from gender-based violence while also creating opportunities for them to assume leadership roles,” he said.
“True progress requires collective action because gender equality is a societal imperative,” he added.
Commissioner Dada echoed the urgency of the moment, insisting that: “We must move beyond promises to practical solutions that will empower women and uplift the vulnerable.”
She highlighted the persistent issues of gender-based violence, economic disparity, and limited leadership opportunities for women. “An educated woman is an empowered woman,” she stated, calling for more investment in education, mental health support, and stricter laws to combat violence against women.
Sanwo-Olu commended his wife for her advocacy in maternal and child healthcare, while also calling on men to actively support the movement for gender equality.