In a glorious celebration of women in Lagos State, the First Lagos-West Women Assembly was held, with hundreds of women from across Lagos-West in attendance to inspire and empower them to reach their full potential.
The event meant to inspire and empower them to reach their full potential was held Tuesday April 8, 2026 at House 5, Royal Comfort, Plot 6, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme: “Building a Stronger Community.”
The Host, Senator Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, representing Lagos-West Senatorial District, in her speech, highlighted the importance of women’s roles in shaping their communities. She emphasized that women are the heart and backbone of society, and their influence is crucial in every facet of life.
“As women, we are the heart and backbone of our society. From our homes to our workplaces, from our local markets to our schools, our influence on every facet of life cannot be ignored,” Adebule stated.
She noted that despite the struggles women face due to socio-economic inequalities and negative customary practices, they remain a powerful force in building resilient communities. She called for collaborative engagement and empowerment of women to break barriers limiting their ability to excel.
See videos:
https://youtube.com/shorts/jCEkuWFDma8?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/cAG6lcqDzb8?feature=share
https://youtu.be/ewjlOQjJl9g
https://youtu.be/jWAoE5dp2SE
“If indeed we must build resilient communities with women being indispensable in the matrix, then empowering them intellectually, economically, and politically to improve their capacity to engage at the community level is of utmost importance,” Adebule emphasized.
Roll call of dignitaries
The assembly was attended by the first lady of the state, Dr. Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, former Adebisi Sarah Sosan, former Deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Wife of the Deputy Gov. Lagos state.
Adejoke Orelope Adefulure, SA to the President on SDGA; Mrs Jumoke Okoya
Hon commissioner, Barr Saidat Oladunjoye; Rt Hon Olufunmilayo Tejuosho; Representative of Iyaloja General, Mrs Folasade Ojo; Rt. Hon. Ayuba Representing Alimosho constituency; Mrs Yetunde Oriolowo, CEO, African Violet Ltd. Princess Ramota Oseni among other women political leaders from all the wards that make up Lagos West Senatorial district.
Adebule’s gesture to women
Adebule dazzled women with cash and material gift after raffle draws were held for participants to win prizes. Star prize picked by the first lady of the state, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the wife of the deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat gave the two winners a Mini-buse each to support their businesses.
In her remarks, Adebule showcased her community development projects, including construction of market stalls, skills acquisition centers, primary health centers, and school buildings. She also highlighted her legislative work, presenting seven bills and two motions aimed at promoting socio-economic wellbeing and inclusivity.
She urged stakeholders to promote women’s socio-economic wellbeing and remove cultural and political barriers limiting their participation in building stronger communities.
The First lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the initiative of Dr Adebule is a testament to her enduring passion for women development and grassroots impact.
She said: “Indeed, the strength of every thriving society is anchored on the unity, resilience, and active participation of its women. When women are given the opportunity to rise, they become unstoppable forces of change—in homes, communities, markets, boardrooms, and government institutions.
“Here in Lagos State, we are proud to witness a dynamic wave of female leadership and collaboration, driving transformation from the grassroots to the corridors of power. The Lagos-West Women Assembly is both timely and strategic—it provides an inclusive platform for connection, capacity building, and citizen-government synergy.
“Much like our flagship National Women’s Conference organized annually by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), today’s gathering embodies our shared commitment to fostering platforms for dialogue, mentorship, and empowerment.
“I am particularly delighted about the empowerment grants being presented to trained beneficiaries today. Empowering women economically is not just a policy choice—it is a moral imperative. When we empower women, we uplift families, enhance communities, and secure the future.
“At the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, empowerment remains a top priority. Later this week, we will be presenting various empowerment tools to another group of trained beneficiaries who have also undergone sessions on financial literacy and business management. These initiatives are aimed at expanding economic opportunities and enabling financial independence.
” I urge every woman here to embrace her role as a nation builder. We are builders of families, pillars of moral values, stewards of enterprise, and architects of peace. Let us continue to uphold unity, advocate for inclusivity, and create safe, supportive spaces for all women.
“I want to assure you that under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government remains fully committed to gender equity, economic empowerment, and the protection of women’s rights.
“Through programs such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, entrepreneurship development schemes, and women-focused summits, we continue to create pathways for women to thrive.
“To every woman present here today—I salute your courage, your strength, and your unwavering commitment to progress. You are the heartbeat of our homes, the glue of our communities, and the light that brightens the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Highlights of the event
Earlier, the Keynote speaker, Mrs Amina Oyagbola said all hands must be on deck to encourage women as they are more in population than their male counterparts.
“Let us encourage ambition and drive and good leadership. I want to encourage us not to be laid back. Take up the leadership roles as we need women at every leadership positions; let us move from the classroom to the boardroom, from the market to the ministry. Let us build with vision , let us partner with supportive men to do something great and lead with purposeful men to build our society.” Oyagbola said.
Highlights of the event
The ambience of the women assembly was laced with dance and conviviality of the wife of the governor and the wife of the deputy governor, painting the anecdote of “Aki and Pawpaw”. Also, while Mrs Sanwo-Olu delivered her speech, Mrs Hamzat translated in Yoruba with her comical imperfections in the art.
Also, 30 widows and 30 Entrepreneurs got rewarded with N250,000 each.
Raffle draws were also held with Star prize lucky winner going home with a Mini Bus
Other winners got deep freezers, Electric Oven, generators, bags of rice and cash with other consolation prizes.
There was also Health talk on Emotional health and social wellbeing delivered by Mrs Yetunde Oriolowo.