31 complete views as we speak
By Kemi Akintokun and Aderonke Ojediran
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its dedication to fostering an inclusive atmosphere the place girls can be adequately empowered to thrive of their respective fields.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this identified at an occasion organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stories that the IWD is marked each March 8 globally to have a good time girls’s achievements and advocate for gender equality, and the 2025 Edition has the theme: “Accelerate Action.”
Sanwo-Olu stated that the state’s insurance policies are devoted to defending girls from gender-based violence, whereas additionally creating alternatives for them to imagine management roles in governance, decision-making and entrepreneurial assist.
According to him, these insurance policies will allow feminine entrepreneurs to develop and maintain their companies.
He stated: “This globally important occasion will not be merely a date however a strong reminder of the important position girls play in shaping our societies and driving progress.
“This yr’s theme serves as a clarion name to maneuver past rhetoric and take daring, decisive steps in the direction of reaching gender equality and empowering girls.
“In Lagos, we aren’t simply echoing this theme; we’re embodying it by way of deliberate insurance policies and initiatives that empower girls throughout all sectors.
“We have made significant investments in initiatives designed to empower and uplift women, and to foster self-sufficiency, leadership, and economic participation through the 19 tuition-free skills acquisition centres and the Women Development Centre.”
He highlighted that these efforts aligned with world priorities, and recognise girls as highly effective catalysts for financial development, innovation and societal transformation.
Sanwo-Olu recommended WAPA for partaking girls within the state actively by way of its quite a few programmes and interventions through the years.
Also, Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the ministry would proceed to empower girls and ladies by way of its coaching initiatives.
Dada famous that ladies, who’re the spine of households and communities, would proceed to interrupt obstacles, problem stereotypes and contribute immensely to nationwide improvement.
She famous that regardless of these achievements, girls nonetheless face persistent challenges corresponding to gender inequality, financial disparity, gender-based violence, restricted entry to high quality schooling, healthcare and management alternatives.
The commissioner referred to as for pressing motion and dedication to advance the rights and alternatives of ladies in Lagos and the nation at massive.
“As a ministry, we now have been unwavering in our dedication to assist girls by way of empowerment programmes, coaching initiatives and advocacy.
“We have created platforms that equip girls with the abilities and assets they have to be financially impartial and self-sufficient.
“The challenges girls face whether or not at house, office, or within the society can take a big toll on their psychological and emotional well-being.
“We must move beyond promises to practical solutions that will empower women and uplift the vulnerable,” Dada harassed.
NAN stories that ladies from all of the state’s native governments and native council improvement areas converged on the Onikan Stadium, venue of the programme to have a good time the IWD.
The Wife of the state governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat; and wives of different high authorities officers within the state have been current on the occasion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare