SANWO-OLU ADVOCATES WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FOR ACCELERATED INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lent his voice to the campaign to empower women, saying it is crucial for accelerating Africa’s industrialisation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the celebration of the 34th edition of Africa Industrialisation Day 2023 held in Lagos from Thursday, 23rd to Friday, 24th November, 2023 with the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation through the Empowerment of African Women in Processing for an integrated Market”.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, remarked that women make up a significant portion of the continent’s population, and their active participation in the workforce can contribute significantly to economic growth and development.

His words: “By empowering women and ensuring their equal participation in the workforce, Africa can tap into a larger pool of talents, as diverse teams often bring different perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and problem-solving, which is essential for industrial growth.

“Distinguished guests, implementing and enforcing gender-inclusive policies can create an environment that supports women’s participation in the industrial sector.  An economy driven by empowered women can contribute significantly to economic growth as women entrepreneurs can create jobs, drive innovation and contribute to the overall national development.

“This is why our administration is providing various platforms such as grants, soft loans, capacity building, access to markets and many others through Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, organisation of MSMEs Exclusive Fair, provision of factory units in industrial estates and other strategic interventions aimed at unlocking innovation, growth and productivity of women, translating spending power into economic development in line with our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda.”

The Governor further stressed that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is expected to bring huge gains to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria and Nigerian women must be strategically positioned to take huge advantage of the market.

Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Mustainu Abiodun Tobun encouraged the government to sustain its policies on building and investing in women for great inventions and business-oriented results while making sure there is a follow-up after the programme to generate an effective result.  He also implored them to be more focused and determined in executing their plans without distractions, stressing that they should acquire skills along with their education. 

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem described the theme as apt and timely because more attention should be given to women folk to achieve success in national development. 

“In a time like this when the economic and business climate in Africa and other parts of the world is facing severe challenges, it is time for the nation to diversify her economy through networking and value addition, now giving women priority in the forefront of business development. Industrial development of the African continent is of critical importance for sustained and inclusive economic growth.

“Market access is also very critical and in the current dispensation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Sanwo-Olu’s administration is intentional and deliberate at promoting and deepening access to the market by women enterprises, ensuring that they grow and survive against all odds. It is also committed to growing the State’s business value chains and ensuring that Lagos is less dependent on other States for processed goods”, she said.

Guest Speaker and Vice President, the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr. Kuti George stated that empowering women in processing industries will boost Africa industrially. He opined that women need to be equipped with training programmes embedded with entrepreneurial education and called for collaboration between governments, private sector entities, civil society and international organisations to create sustainable and inclusive industrial growth”.

Second Speaker and Vice Chairman, NASSI, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Peter Popoola urged stakeholders, policymakers, and the society to harness women’s potential to develop the economy, urging the State Government to create platforms that would build the capacities of women and youth and also harmonise regulations that would make it easy to trade.