The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state makes conscious efforts to ensure women’s participation in government, saying women have been getting 30 per cent cabinet slots since the return to democracy in 1999.
The governor spoke on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.
The conference, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, had the theme: “Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enriching Communities.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to COWLSO for their “support to the success of the Lagos State government over the years.”
He added, “In Lagos, empowering our women goes far beyond talk. We are a state that walks our talk. Since 2019, we have ensured a minimum representation of 30 per cent of women in the Lagos State cabinet.
“Our government hospitals offer free antenatal and child delivery services, including caesarean sections to all pregnant women. In the enforcement of domestic and sexual violence legislation, we are an acknowledged role model for the country.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the theme of the conference resonated with Sanwo-Olu’s administration which aims to empower women, build stronger and inclusive communities in line with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda.
Hamzat said, “At this juncture, I wish to assure you all that our administration would continue to appreciate initiatives aimed at complementing the government’s efforts in enhancing the well-being of Lagosians and support plans and actions that would ensure gender equality and eradicate gender-based violence.”
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also commended COWLSO members on their drive to make lasting impacts in homes, workplaces and communities.
“As I restate my support and commitment to your cause to sustain and further uplift the legacy of building a virile society through a formidable team of women in Lagos, I want to urge you all to soar beyond boundaries,” the Speaker said.
On her part, the governor’s wife and COWLSO Chairman, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the committee had renovated 13 schools from six educational districts and supported children at various orphanage homes in Lagos.
She said, “COWLSO donated assorted foodstuffs, clothes, beds, mattresses, pillows, beddings, extension of walkways, canopies, payment of staff salaries, and cash to caregivers in the orphanage homes, just to mention a few.”
