We will continue to ensure gender equality in Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his administration would continue to ensure gender equality in line with the theme of the 2022 International Women’s Day, which is “Gender Equality Today, for A Sustainable Development”.

Speaking at the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration held on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said the celebration was a “call to action and the stepping up of advocacy aimed at raising the awareness to what the society stands to gain if equal opportunities were provided for both the female and male genders to pursue their dreams and attain their potential”.

He said Lagos State today has one of the highest numbers of women in any state cabinet in the country, noting that the state can also boast of more women than men as judges, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies.

“In Lagos State, our commitment to this yearly celebration reflects our belief in the critical role our women must play and are playing side by side with the men.

“Lagos State today has one of the highest numbers of women in any state cabinet in the country. That was and remains a deliberate decision. We are a Center of Excellence, and we will demonstrate this in every facet of what we do,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, in line with government policies and programmes has continuously demonstrated its seriousness about improving the quality of the lives of women, noting that Lagos was a national pioneer in the introduction of a six-month fully paid maternity leave, and paternity leave to allow fathers work-free time to support their partners after childbirth.

He said his administration in the last 34 months, has remained faithful to its promise to improve the socio-economic status of women by expanding the representation of women in government, empowering women and building various programmes and policies that are being faithfully implemented.

In her goodwill message, the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who had earlier led a protest rally to the state House of 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.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu also spoke on the death of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole who went missing after boarding a BRT and was later found dead, describing the development as sad, shocking, and devastating.