Nigeria, March 8 -- As we mark International Women's Day 2025, I am reminded of the powerful words of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "As women thrive, so will we all." These words, spoken in March 2015 at the opening of the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, remain as relevant as ever.

In our dear Lagos State, a city beating with ambition and diversity, this truth resonates deeply. Today, I celebrate the courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Lagos women who shape our communities, drive our economy, and teach us what it truly means to lead.

The Courage That Defines Us

Two years ago, during the 2023 elections, many witnessed a moment that redefined bravery. In Surulere, Jennifer E...