Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, delivered a powerful call to action at the All Progressives Congress Women Summit, urging Nigerian women to transcend complacency and actively participate in leadership roles across politics, governance, and nation-building. She emphasized the importance of moving beyond partisan politics to embrace the broader responsibility of shaping society and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Sanwo-Olu stressed that women’s involvement is crucial for the progress and development of the nation, echoing the spirit of the national anthem that calls upon citizens to contribute to the betterment of society. The summit, themed “Arise, Aspire and Ascend,” aimed to inspire and empower women to take on greater roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Sanwo-Olu’s message resonated with the summit’s focus on empowering women to actively participate in the political and developmental processes of the nation. She emphasized the importance of women not just occupying positions of power but also utilizing their influence to drive positive change. This call to action transcends mere political ambition and speaks to the broader responsibility of women to contribute to the overall well-being and progress of society. She highlighted the need to move beyond political affiliations and embrace the collective goal of building a better future for all Nigerians.
The summit’s theme, “Arise, Aspire and Ascend,” encapsulates the essence of Sanwo-Olu’s message, urging women to rise above the limitations imposed by societal norms and traditional expectations. The call to “aspire” encourages women to set ambitious goals and strive for leadership positions, challenging the prevailing underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles. Finally, the call to “ascend” speaks to the ultimate goal of achieving greater influence and impact within the political landscape and beyond, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
A significant aspect of the summit that particularly resonated with Sanwo-Olu was the engagement of teenagers, young people, and first-time voters, whom she recognized as the future of Nigerian democracy. By including these younger demographics in the conversation, the summit aimed to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and inspire the next generation of female leaders. This intergenerational dialogue serves as a crucial platform for mentorship and knowledge transfer, empowering young women to become active participants in shaping their own future and the future of Nigeria.
The importance of women’s contributions to societal development was further underscored by Cornelius Ojelabi, the Lagos APC Chairman, who praised their organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and inherent qualities of kindness, strength, prudence, and focus. He highlighted their empathy and compassionate nature, emphasizing their dedication to making society stronger and better. Ojelabi’s remarks reinforced the message that women’s unique attributes make them invaluable assets in the pursuit of societal progress and development, further solidifying the importance of their active participation in all spheres of national life.
Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, the state woman leader, echoed the summit’s theme by urging the youths present to utilize the platform to shape the national conversation. This call to action underscores the importance of empowering young people, especially women, to actively participate in shaping the future of Nigeria. Their involvement in national discourse is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy that addresses the needs and aspirations of all citizens. The summit served as a catalyst for engaging young people in the political process, encouraging them to become active agents of change and contribute to the ongoing development of the nation.
