Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday urged women to use their experience, influence and achievements to mentor younger women and create opportunities for future generations.
Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call while addressing participants at the 26th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) with the theme “Anchor in Purpose be the Blueprint.”
He said the legacy of any generation should be measured not only by its achievements but also by the opportunities it created for those coming behind it.
“Every generation has a responsibility to consider the opportunities it is creating for those coming behind and the legacy it will eventually leave behind,” he said.
The governor said that the conference theme challenged women to reflect on their personal accomplishments, the examples they set and the impact of their contributions to society.
The governor said the gathering was particularly significant for him and his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as it marked the final edition of the conference during their tenure in government.
He described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on their journey in public service and express gratitude for the privilege of serving Lagos residents.
Mr Sanwo-Olu commended his wife for her passion, dedication and commitment to improving the welfare of women, children and families over the years.
In a gesture that drew attention to his appreciation of her service, the governor presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers and gave her a kiss in recognition of her dedication and contributions.
“I have watched her energy, passion and sacrifice over time. Every year, she has continued to give her very best because she genuinely cares about the well-being of women, children and families,” he said.
He thanked her for the commitment with which she had carried out her responsibilities as First Lady, particularly her efforts to improve lives and support vulnerable groups.
“I am indeed very proud of you, and I want to thank you from the depth of my heart for the dedication and commitment with which you have carried out this responsibility,” he said.
In her welcome address, Mrs Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives and the advancement of women’s welfare in Lagos State.
She also highlighted the importance of collective efforts, collaboration and sustained commitment to improving the lives of women and families.
She underscored the role of women-focused organisations in providing support, promoting development and creating opportunities for women across communities.
She also acknowledged the contributions of members and stakeholders whose participation had helped sustain the conference and its activities over the years.
She further acknowledged the contributions of the wife of the deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat, as well as past leaders and members of COWLSO for sustaining the organisation across successive administrations.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu said the continuity demonstrated by the organisation showed that although leadership tenures were temporary, their impact could endure through sustained programmes and collective commitment.
“Resilience deserves recognition, but it cannot be the only answer to the challenges women face today. Women also need access to finance, education, meaningful employment and quality healthcare,” she said.
The governor’s wife said her husband’s administration recognised women’s economic participation as an essential component of sustainable development.
She urged accomplished women in business, professional practice and public service to extend their influence beyond personal achievements by mentoring younger women and opening doors for them.
She challenged them to consider how many young women they were preparing for leadership, supporting professionally and helping to overcome barriers.
“How many young women are you mentoring? How many doors are you opening for them, and how are you using your experience and influence to make their journey easier?” she asked.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu said that the responsibility of successful women should go beyond celebrating their achievements to ensuring that younger generations had better opportunities to succeed.
“The young women entering the workplace today should have more opportunities than their mothers had.
“We must work together to ensure that their ambitions are not limited by barriers that can be removed through support, mentorship and deliberate action,” she said.
She urged future leaders of COWLSO to preserve the organisation’s values, strengthen programmes that improved the lives of women and girls, and ensure that the needs of families remained a priority.
She said her leadership was proud of its contributions to improving household welfare over the past seven and a half years but acknowledged that COWLSO would continue to outlive every tenure.
“Our journey did not begin with us, and it certainly will not end with us. The responsibility before us is to preserve what works, strengthen what makes a difference and create a solid foundation for those who will come after us,” she said.
“Your greatest achievement may ultimately be the opportunity you create for someone else, even someone whose name you may never know.
“If you have knowledge, share it. If you have influence, use it wisely. If you have overcome barriers, help others find an easier path,” she added.
She said the success of the conference should be reflected in stronger relationships between younger women and their mentors, as well as sustained efforts to improve the welfare of women and families.
She urged participants to make mentorship, service and the creation of opportunities central to their leadership, stressing that the true value of success lay in its positive impact on others.
(NAN)
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