Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Governor Umo Eno 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 Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos Island.
The theme of the conference is: ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…enrich communities’.
Eno said it was 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. I’m 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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration would provide templates that would empower women and make them more relevant in all spheres of the government.
He said his administration was committed to serving Lagosians better, and would create more opportunities for women, youths and businesses where everyone could live their full potential in line with the THEMES PLUS developmental agenda of the government.
Sanwo-Olu solicited continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steered the country towards the promised land.
He admonished participants to take advantage of the conference to make positive change in their lives as they shaped 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 could enrich their communities towards breaking barriers of gender imbalance.