Governor Sule: Cultural discrimination against women must end for true progress
Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife at COWLSO closing ceremony
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has urged women to break free from religious and cultural barriers that may hinder their growth and success in various fields.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Sule emphasised the importance of empowering women to “soar beyond boundaries” and enrich their communities.
Represented by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Aisha Rufai Ibrahim, the Governor noted that the conference symbolised a collective commitment to regional integration and complements the efforts of the Lagos State government in accelerating development and improving the well-being of residents.
He commended the conference’s theme, “Soar Beyond Boundaries… Enrich Communities,” as timely and relevant, given the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.
Sule highlighted the critical role women play in society, particularly in social, economic, and political transformation, as well as in agricultural production and family well-being.
“Women constitute a significant segment of our population and are indispensable in ensuring growth and development. Their resilience and capacity in various spheres have been remarkable,” he stated.
However, he lamented that cultural and religious discrimination has historically hindered women from reaching their full potential, resulting in limited access to opportunities.
He called for a shift in mindset to allow women to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s economic and social development.
Sule also acknowledged the impact women have made as catalysts for progressive change across various sectors, urging that the conference serves as a platform for women to stay informed about government policies and to offer constructive feedback that can drive good governance.
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The host, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also encouraged women to take charge of their destinies by being innovative, productive, and actively participating in leadership roles.
He emphasised that women should not take a back seat in governance and should instead rise to meet the challenges of leadership.
“Lagos State, through COWLSO, continues to provide a platform for women’s voices to be heard. We believe in the leadership potential of women and will continue to support them in achieving greatness,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He further praised COWLSO’s contributions to societal development, noting that the organization has made significant strides in education, healthcare, and social welfare.
“COWLSO has challenged us as a government by initiating projects that transform schools, renovate health institutions, and support the elderly. These are tasks we in government are meant to do, and we thank them for their support,” he added.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Wife of the Lagos State Governor and Chairperson of COWLSO, called on women to engage more actively in politics and decision-making processes.
She urged them to prioritise giving back to their communities and remain focused on COWLSO’s core mission of impacting lives.
“Let us embrace modesty, prioritize needs over wants, and lead by example. Mentor the next generation and instill in your children the values of hard work and resourcefulness,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu advised.
