Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu task Nigerian women on nation building

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state, on Tuesday called on women to strive towards nation building.

They said every woman can truly contribute to the prosperity and progress of Nigeria.

Speaking as a guest of honour at the 23rd edition of the annual women conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos state officials COWLSO, the Wife of the President said women are naturally empowered to reshape the nation and must leverage on their strength to exhibit potential inherent in them optimally.

Tinubu explained that women have potential if appropriately unleashed could transform the society.

“Our diversity is our strength, and it is within this diversity that we find the wellspring of our potential. As women, we have the power to shape the future, to be leaders, to be innovators, to be caregivers, and to be agents of positive change. But to unleash our potential fully, we must continue to break down barriers that limit our progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

“Education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential pillars that will enable us to unleash our potential. We must work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential.
Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success; it is about uplifting our families, communities, and our great nation as a whole. When women are empowered, society thrives”, said Mrs Tinubu.

“I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the theme of this conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” not only for your benefit but for your individual States and the benefit of our beloved Nation”, she added.

The host governor, Sanwo-Olu thanked all the past leaders of COWLSO who have kept the conference going for 23 years, beginning with Mrs Tinubu.

The Governor said Tinubu’s vision was clear to create a platform that would bring women together to develop ideas which would help to place them at the centre of national development.

“The theme for this edition, “Unleash Your Potential”, has followed the inspiring pattern of the last two Conferences which have been a clarion call to women.

” In 2021, our women were called to awake from their slumber and, in 2022, they were charged to “Spring Forth and Stand Out”, to make themselves ready to take their rightful place in National development.

” This year, you are being called to unleash your potentials to be more productive and positively influence the society. This theme is very apt in view of the current challenges that Nigeria is facing, and the need for us to be more intentional and determined in our efforts to harness the innate ability and capacity of women to drive the Renewed Hope agenda at the national level, and similar initiatives being implemented at the sub-national levels.

“This gathering represents an invaluable opportunity to exploit the collective power and potential of individuals, particularly the women, in our quest to build a Greater Lagos. The theme aptly captures the essence of what we believe in – the boundless reservoir of talent, creativity, and strength that resides within each and every one of us, and the need to put these to effective use for national growth and development”, said Sanwo-Olu.

“Lagos State Government, under my leadership, stands firmly committed to the vision set forth by COWLSO, because we recognize the pivotal role that empowered women play in the development and progress of every society. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures and supports the realization of every individual’s potential.”

“Our commitment extends beyond rhetorics to tangible action, and we pledge to invest in programmes that empower women, providing them with the resources, education, and opportunities necessary for them to thrive in their chosen endeavors. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, a critical part of our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Governance Agenda, we aim to unlock the full spectrum of human capabilities that will drive sustainable progress and prosperity for all”, he added.

He said his administration has continued to contribute to the promotion of the ideals and objectives that are transforming the lives of the citizens.

Sanwo-Olu maintained that many interventions of COWLSO in critical sectors such as Health, Education, Environment, and Youth development are impacting positively on the lives of Lagosians.

The Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu maintained that the conference has been inspiring with records of landmark interventions that have been in the overall interest of women.

Sanwo-Olu said he conference is an avenue through which the wives of the officials of the State Government promote child healthcare and education, empower women to discover their hidden treasures, and protect the environment.

“The conference has the objective of inspiring ideas and robust intellectual conversations on issues affecting women and girls, and also men and boys.

“The founding objectives of COWLSO is to impact lives positively and contribute immensely to the political and socio-economic growth of Lagos State and Nigeria, and it is gratifying that the committee has commissioned numerous projects to the benefits of the people, ranging from Education, Environment, Wealth Creation, Market development among others”, she added.