Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), an effort aimed at promoting gender equity and the advancement of women into leadership roles, has presented an award to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his role in gender inclusivity and advancement.
WIMBIZ paid a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu to present him with the award plaque in recognition of his deliberate and impactful efforts toward promoting inclusiveness and advancing women empowerment in his administration in Lagos State.
To this end, the award celebrates the governor’s commitment to creating a gender-inclusive government, as evidenced by several key achievements with 10 women in the State Executive Council (SEC), representing 23% of the cabinet, just as the 50% of Permanent Secretaries in the State are women while Lagos State has more female judges than their male counterparts.
More also, the female non-profit organisation also noted that numerous government agencies and parastatals are headed by women which showcased that women are major beneficiaries of various interventions by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Wealth Creation, and the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment.
On her part, the delegate led by the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees chairperson, Bisi Adeyemi, underscored the purpose of the visit to honour and recognise Governor Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding contributions to gender inclusivity.
Consequently, she emphasised the longstanding impact of WIMBIZ over the past 23 years, noting the organisation’s four key pillars: Inspire, Empower, Advocate, and Connect.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’ve known WIMBIZ for over 20 years, and I have witnessed its remarkable growth. WIMBIZ has earned a respected place in both the corporate and public sectors.”
He also recalled being invited to speak at the WIMBIZ Annual Conference in the past year, underscoring the strong relationship between the state and the organisation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasised the importance of gender appreciation, noting that inclusivity is at the heart of Lagos State’s policies and practices and that it is not just about gender but about putting competent women “Lagos State is not only for He/She but also for all,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, officials of the Lagos State Government at the courtesy visit included the State’s deputy governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat; Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Commerce, Mrs. Folasade Ambrose-Medebem; Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Bolaji Dada; Permanent Secretary (PSO), Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola; Permanent Secretary (Lands), Mr. Kamar Olowoshago; Permanent Secretary (Establishment), Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun; Executive Secretary (LUAC), Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi, and Senior Special Assistant (Commerce), Mrs. Hauwa Adeeyo.