Women in Nigerian politics must rise above complacency and embrace leadership in governance and nation-building, says Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu

Women in Nigerian politics must rise above complacency and embrace leadership in governance and nation-building, Lagos State First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has said.

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Speaking on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress Women Summit themed *“Arise, Aspire and Ascend”* in Lagos, she urged women to expand their roles beyond partisan politics to broader societal influence.

“As women, we must arise from any form of complacency and rise to take our place in leadership and ascend to a new level of impact in politics, governance, and nation-building,” she said. “It is about influence, about shaping society, and about building a legacy for generations to come.”

She expressed particular excitement that the summit provided a platform to engage teenagers, young people, and first-time voters, describing them as the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

Also speaking, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi praised women’s contributions to development, highlighting their organisational skills, compassion, and resilience. “Women are kind, smart, strong, prudent, and focused… really, women are great,” he said.

The state APC woman leader, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, added that the youths present should leverage the platform to shape national conversations and strengthen democracy.

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The summit ended with a renewed call for women to aspire, ascend, and take on leadership roles that drive change and build legacies for future generations.