LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
By Oyebola Owolabi
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, his Lagos State counterpart Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other well meaning Nigerians have called for more inclusion of women in governance to drive impactful enriching communities at all levels.
Eno was the Guest of Honour at the opening of the 24th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Eko Hotels and Suites. The conference was themed ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…enrich communities’.
According to Eno, it is expedient to factor women into the process of governance to ensure quick, positive and visible results.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, described the conference as ‘a confluence of cerebral minds that is forging ideas to expand the frontiers of development especially at the home front’.
He said: “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 take the right decisions, even when they initially seem unpalatable.
“This conference holds 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.”
Host Governor Sanwo-Olu 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.
He also solicited for continued support for President Bola Tinubu as he steers the country towards a promise land, and admonished participants to take advantage of the conference to make positive changew in their lives as they shape the future of their communities with a sense of hope.
COWLSO Chairman and wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged women to be selfless and push beyond boundaries so they can enrich their communities towards breaking barriers of gender imbalance.
She noted 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’.
“The objective of this annual conference is to frontally address various challenges facing women, empowering and supporting them to become independent while realising their full potentials, especially as women play crucial roles in modern society, serving as bedrock of homes, families, organisations and communities,” she added.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu added that in the last five years, the committee has impacted positively in the life of identified vulnerable persons and still working to engender change and positivism among women in the state.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving women. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, was awarded as inspirational woman of the year.