The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for gender equality as he, alongside his wife and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, led the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration. Under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, the event stressed the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and implement tangible measures to empower women.

At the 2025 IWD celebration, participants from the 20 local government areas and 57 LCDAs received a climate stove to promote stress-free cooking.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his address, highlighted the global significance of IWD and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a landmark document for women’s rights. “This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps toward achieving gender equality,” he stated.

He detailed Lagos State’s commitment to bridging the gender gap through deliberate policies and initiatives. Programs like ‘HE for SHE’ aim to foster inclusivity, ensuring women are not just seen but empowered.

“The state has invested heavily in skills acquisition centers and the Women Development Centre, providing free training to equip women for economic independence.

“Our policies are dedicated to protecting women from gender-based violence while also creating opportunities for them to assume leadership roles,” Sanwo-Olu stressed, noting the facilitation of credit and entrepreneurial support for female entrepreneurs.

He called for collective action, urging men to join the movement for gender equality. “True progress requires collective action because gender equality is a societal imperative,” he said.

The governor commended his wife, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her advocacy in maternal and child healthcare and expressed gratitude to his deputy and other officials for their support.

He warned that achieving gender parity at the current pace could take over five generations, demanding urgent action.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the time for slow progress is over.
She highlighted the persistent challenges of gender inequality, economic disparity, and gender-based violence, calling for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

“We must move beyond promises to practical solutions that will empower women and uplift the vulnerable,” Dada asserted. The ministry has been committed to supporting women through empowerment programs, training, and advocacy, creating platforms for financial independence.

She talked about the importance of education, mental health support, and combating violence against women.

“An educated woman is an empowered woman,” she said, while also noting the importance of providing safe spaces and counseling services.

Dada called for stricter laws against gender-based violence and urged law enforcement and community leaders to join hands in creating a violence-free society. She also advocated for more women in leadership positions, emphasizing the need to break down barriers hindering their participation.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering passion for women’s empowerment, noting his administration’s commitment to economic independence and social protection. She also thanked the First Lady, the Deputy Governor, and other officials for their support.

“Let us not wait for another year to make change happen; let us start today,” Dada concluded, urging everyone to be intentional and proactive in accelerating progress for women.