Sanwo-Olu re-affirms pledge to protect women, girls in Lagos
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to protect the rights of women and girls in Lagos State,
He disclosed this during the International Women’s Day (IWD) Programme 2026, themed “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls #GivetoGai,n” in Lagos where he charged those in positions of authority to ensure that their influence strengthens rights and advances justice of women.
The event which was organized by the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), celebrated the vital role women play in society.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos stands firmly aligned with the global call of the International Women’s Day, adding that the theme is a challenge and not just a rhetoric. He added that women’s rights are constitutional obligations that instructs the prevalence of justice, especially in line with the THEMES PLUS Agenda.
“Lagos State continues to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to combat gender-based violence, child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Our position is clear: there is zero-tolerance for injustice against women and girls.Justice must be timely. Justice must be fair. Justice must protect the vulnerable and hold offenders accountable,” Sanwo-Olu said.
While addressing participants, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the event aimed at recognizing the strength of women in the growth and development of the nation, especially regarding the building of a just and inclusive society, stressing that they must be given the opportunity to grow.
In the same vein, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation(MWAPA), Bolaji Cecilia Dada, revealed that the event was birthed to reinforce a policy position, a governance priority, and a moral obligation. Dada went further to commend the purposeful and people-centred leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu for consistently placing women, girls, children, and vulnerable populations at the centre of governance.
Similarly, Justice Lateefat Oluyemi, the guest speaker at the event, urged women to be focused and make sacrifices for their children especially the girl-child to be educated, indicating that girls should not allow any circumstance stop them from achieving their aims, especially since the Lagos State government remains committed to the protection of their rights.
