Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged all government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and individuals to rise to champion change, to build a Lagos and indeed a world where every woman can dream freely, achieve boldly, and succeed without barriers.
Sanwo-Olu threw the challenge while speaking at 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), themed: “Accelerate Action,” in Onikan, Lagos, on Friday.
He noted that there is a need to act with urgency to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities where every woman can thrive in the state and the country at large.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the event is a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in shaping societies and driving progress.
The governor said his administration would ensure a deliberate action to change the cause of women to assume leadership roles to accelerate their businesses through empowerment across all sectors.
This year’s theme, he noted, “serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps toward achieving gender equality and empowering women.”
The theme, according to him, underscores the urgency of addressing persistent inequalities and barriers that hinder women from realizing their full potential.
Mother of the Day and First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that the government remained committed to women’s welfare through impactful initiatives, skills acquisition, ending gender-based violence and creating an environment where every woman could thrive.
Commissioner For Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia-Dada, thanked the state government for its support and urged law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and all residents to join hands in creating a society free of violence and discrimination.
Guest Speakers at the event called on women to take care of their mental health, empower themselves, cultivate the act of saving restating the commitment of the state government to poverty alleviation and empowerment.