LAGOS, Nigeria – Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and other well meaning Nigerians have called for the inclusion of women in governance towards driving Impactful process of enriching communities at all levels.
Speaking as a guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference, COWLSO held at the EKO Hotels and Suites with the theme ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…enrich communities’, Governor Eno said that it is expedient to factor women into the process of governance to ensure quick, positive and visible results.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi said that the women’s conference is not just an ordinary one but a confluence of cerebral minds that is forging ideas to expand the frontiers of development especially at the home front.
“This platform has added more value to the policy of women Inclusion and other gender friendly initiatives of the government and I am sure if their effort is well harnessed women can deploy their full potential to achieve greatness.
“There is nothing strange about our challenges as a nation we are just going through a phase which shall soon become history, what matters is the determination to forge ahead and to encourage to take the right decision even when they initially seem unpalatable.”
“This conference hold a great promise for Nigeria and my belief is that with gender equality, we can achieve more for our people, break more glass ceilings and work towards a more gender friendly governance.”
The host Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State promised that his administration will continue to provide templates that will empower women and make them more relevant in all spheres of government.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that his administration is committed to serve Lagosians better and will create more opportunities for women, youths and businesses where everyone can live their full potential in line with the THEMES PLUS developmental agenda of the government.
The Governor who solicited for continued support for President Tinubu as he steers the nation towards a promise land, charged the participants to take advantage of the conference to make positive change in their lives as they shape the future of their communities with a sense of hope and engagements.
In her welcome address, the wife of the State Governor and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged women to be selfless and push beyond boundaries to enrich the communities they belong towards breaking barriers on gender imbalance in the society.
She said that women make invaluable contributions across various sectors, and their influence is paramount in shaping a progressive and equitable world, so, priority must be accorded to their wellbeing.
According to her, “The objective of this annual conference is to frontally address various challenges facing women, empowering and supporting them to become independent while realizing their full potentials especially as women play crucial roles in modern society, serving as bedrock of homes, families, organisations and communities.”
Sanwo-Olu added that in the last five years, the committee has impacted positively in the life of the identified vulnerable and still working to engender change and positivism
among women in the state.
