Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu advices women to leverage digital technology for better future

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu advices women to leverage digital technology for better future

M) The First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu flanked by NOWA coordinator, Lagos State, Mrs Josephine Oamen and UNAN President Mr Oluremi Olutimo.

Lagos, March 22, 2025

The Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has advised women to leverage digital technology and innovations to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Sanwo-Olu advised on Friday in Lagos during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).

The event had the theme, Accelerate Action.

NOWA organised the event in collaboration with the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN).

The event held at Naval Dockyards Conference Hall, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu said that digital tools held the potential to bridge gender gaps, enhance access to opportunities, and promote women’s rights.

"However, we must do more to expand opportunities and access to funding for women and girls, ensuring that they can harness the full potential of innovation for sustainable development.

"In Lagos State, we have implemented deliberate policies and programs to foster equity, ensuring that women thrive and succeed.

"The state government actively supports women through various ministries, departments, and agencies, offering grants, opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives," the first lady said.

She said that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remained a shining example of a leader who believed in gender equality and had been recognised as a 'HeForShe' champion and ambassador.

"At the Office of the First Lady, we complement these efforts through various interventions and support programs designed to uplift women, youths, and children.

"These include the Empowerment Forum, Boy Child Initiative, and Schools Support Initiative, among other impactful initiatives that help residents realise their full potential.

"I encourage everyone to take advantage of these programs, which are aimed at creating a more inclusive and progressive society," the doctor said.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, for her deliberate interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative programs aimed at empowering women.

"She continues to set a remarkable example for us all," she said.

The doctor commended the tireless efforts of NOWA in promoting social cohesion, education, healthcare, and skill acquisition among naval officers' wives and within the communities.

She said that NOWA's initiatives had not only transformed the lives of naval officers' wives but also had a ripple effect on the broader community.

"By focusing on empowerment, you have enabled women to become self-reliant and independent, contributing significantly to the economic growth and development of our nation.

"Let us remember that our roles as women are not confined to one aspect of life. We are leaders, innovators, caregivers and we have the power to inspire and uplift those around us," Sanwo-Olu said.

Mrs Josephine Oamen, the NOWA Coordinator, Lagos State called for urgent pursuit of women’s rights, inclusivity, and equal opportunities to accelerate action towards advancing gender equity and empowering women.

Oamen said that for too long, women had fought against barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and rewritten narratives, yet the work remained unfinished.

"Today, as we come together, we reaffirm our pledge to fast-track progress ensuring that our voices are heard, our contributions are valued, and our potential is fully realised.

It is a moment to move beyond conversations and into decisive actions that will create lasting change," the coordinator said.

Oamen said that Nigerian women had been at the forefront of progress for decades, leading movements, breaking barriers, and shaping the nation’s future.

"Yet, in spite their resilience and contributions, they continue to face deep-rooted inequalities in education, politics, the workforce, and personal safety.

"This is unacceptable, therefore, to accelerate action means to move faster, push harder, and take immediate, decisive steps toward gender equality.

"It is about breaking free from slow, incremental progress and demanding real, measurable change now, not decades from now, but demanding real change NOW," she said.

The coordinator said that accelerating action was not just the responsibility of the government but required every Nigerian to take a stand. 

"Men must become allies, challenging toxic masculinity and supporting women’s rights, religious and traditional leaders must also advocate for gender equality in their communities. 

"Media platforms must change the narrative, celebrating female leadership instead of reinforcing stereotypes and corporations must implement gender-inclusive policies, promoting and paying women fairly. 

"A stronger Nigeria is only possible when its women and girls are empowered," Oamen said.

Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, President, UNAN said that Accelerate Action was a global initiative to recognise tactics, materials, and initiatives that contribute to women's progress and to encourage and strengthen their utilisation. 

Olutimo said that there were still many obstacles in the way of gender equality, but with the correct steps and assistance, women everywhere could make progress. 

"Supporting the advocates is one of the most important ways to assist accelerate the Movement for gender equality.

"We can all support one another in solidarity because there are so many influential organisations working to help women and girls throughout the world. 

"From small-scale organisations to major institutions, charitable organisations are putting up endless effort to help and promote women and girls," the president said.

Olutimo called for everyone to show support for these organisations by coming forward together.