IWD: Women's Active Participation In Development More Likely To Yield Higher Societal Prosperity, Growth - Sanwo-Olu

…Gov Vows To Ensure Justice For Ayanwole

Victoria Ojugbana, Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that societies, where women are active partners and participants in development, are more likely to attain a higher level of prosperity, growth and progress.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu said this at the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD), themed: Equality For a Sustainable Tomorrow,”#BreakTheBias, organised by the Ministry of Women and Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Referring to available statistics and indices of development for the claim, the governor said that “Such societies have shown that, like a bird, which requires the two wings to fly and soar, the desired levels of growth and development can only be achieved when the potentials of the two genders are optimally harnessed.”

He said that Lagos State “recognizes the immense value and potentials that our women are endowed with, and which cannot be overlooked if we truly desire to attain our full potential.”

On the death of Banishe Ayanwole, who was allegedly killed by the BRT bus driver and his accomplices, the governor said: “it’s condemnable even at the highest level of government.

“I offer my condolences to the family of Banishe. It’s so unfortunate. I’ve seen various narratives and write-ups condemning the state government and my person, saying that they want to cover up the issue.

“You know that people will trivalise lies to score cheap points. Our government will certainly not be deterred by such narratives.

The governor said that the Police have the competence to get to the final conclusion, adding that the wrath of the law will be applied to such a person or persons.

He urged residents of the state to be aware that “once the lights in the BRT buses are off, people should desist from entering such buses.”

According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration; “Highlights the sad reality of gender-based discrimination, which has long been a major barrier to acknowledge development. It is a call to action and the stepping up of advocacy aimed at raising the awareness of what the society stands to gain if equal
opportunities are provided for both the female and male genders to pursue their dreams and attain their potential.

“Lagos continues to demonstrate its seriousness about improving the quality of the lives of our women.
In the last 34 months, we have remained faithful to our promise to improve the socio-economic status of our women. Expanding the representation of women in our government is just the foundation of our commitment to empowering women,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner of the Ministry, Cecilia Bolaji-Dada, thanked the governor, and stakeholders for their support and mobilization, saying the event was to celebrate women and bridge the gap of silence to actualise gender equality in all decision making policies as they demand the 35 percent affirmative actions.

She noted that the state government had continued to embark on various initiatives free of charge to empower, as well as improve their lives.