In Lagos, women from all Local government and Local Council Development Areas, decked in purple attires, converged on the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, former Onikan Stadium filling it to its capacity as they mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
During the ceremony which was also attended by some female former Deputy Governors of the State, many of the wives of past Governors, awards of recognition were presented to fifty-seven women who had distinguished themselves across each local government areas and council development areas of the State.
In a keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who pointed out that Lagos is already actualizing gender equality, appreciated the invaluable contribution of women in making his administration’s goals and achievements as captured in the T.H.E.M.E.S developmental Agenda, realizable.
Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration would continue to ensure gender equality.
“When it comes to issues of gender, nobody is as proactive as Lagos State. Together, we will break the bias for a sustainable tomorrow” the Governor said.
In her remarks, the wife of the Governor Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who had earlier led a protest rally to the State Assembly, against the recent rejection of some gender bills by the National Assembly, urged Nigerian women to remain steadfast and resolute in demanding an end to acts of bias and discrimination.
“As another March 8th comes upon us, we charge Nigerian women to rise and demand that all the political, economic, social, and cultural biases that keep eroding our dreams and that of our daughters be brought to an end. Our beloved country Nigeria belongs to all of us, men and women, boys and girls.