The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on women in the state to embrace farming, including home gardening, as a means of reducing dependence on purchased food items and managing resources more effectively.
At the closing ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that farming and gardening are cost-effective measures and ways for women to showcase their resourcefulness and leadership.
“We must demonstrate what makes women unique and indispensable — particularly in the judicious use of resources and innovative thinking,” she said, advocating for women to be proactive in both leadership and everyday life.
The conference, themed “Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enriching Communities,” highlighted ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in governance and leadership. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring women’s representation in government, noting a 30 percent cabinet slot allocation for women since 1999.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, also spoke about the Federal Government’s drive to include women in the agricultural sector, aiming for a balanced representation.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised the “Every Home A Garden” competition initiated by the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which offers a substantial cash prize to encourage household gardening. She urged participants to adopt gardening as a cultural practice in their homes.
In light of the current economic challenges, Dr. Sanwo-Olu advised women to embrace modesty and be prudent with their spending. She emphasized the importance of managing resources effectively and setting aside extravagances to lead by example in homes and communities.
“Frivolities must be set aside, as we focus on what truly matters,” she said. “Every naira must be spent with purpose and accountability. As women, we have the power to shape the financial health of our households, and it is our responsibility to manage our resources effectively.”
