Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with women-led initiatives, noting that the administration remains open to innovative ideas that can be integrated into public health and economic policies.
Hamzat stated this today while speaking as the ‘Chairman of the Day,’ at the Seminar Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Cosmopolitan Women Club with the theme “Rebirth of Lagos: Women Leading Renaissance Against Youth Addiction, Economic Disadvantages and Gender Inclusivity,” held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Deputy Governor explained that the government’s social safety-net policies are designed to provide timely support to citizens during periods of serious challenges.
He emphasized that Lagos State operates both the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, with mandates tailored to address emerging issues in their respective sectors.
According to Hamzat, “These institutions play a critical role in strengthening the government’s ability to respond effectively to social concerns and protect vulnerable groups across the state. Our administration is committed to providing solutions that not only mitigate economic disadvantages but also create an enabling environment for economic activities to thrive.”
Highlighting various initiatives introduced by the Sanwo-Olu administration, the Deputy Governor listed empowerment through takeoff grants, training programmes, financial and technical support, as well as job fairs aimed at expanding opportunities for women and youths.
He added that the state government continues to tackle youth addiction through sustained engagement and the maintenance of rehabilitation centres, stressing the need to shift the narrative from challenges to solutions by recognizing and championing the women who are already leading a quiet renaissance across Lagos.
According to him, women remain at the forefront of both prevention and rehabilitation efforts in combating youth addiction, from mothers forming support networks to professional women championing advocacy and counseling initiatives that tackle root causes.
He noted that women-led organizations continue to provide psychosocial support, mentorship, and safe spaces that address emotional and social vulnerabilities, offering young people healthier alternatives and pathways to recovery.
The Deputy Governor further called on the private sector to invest in women by supporting women-led enterprises and corporate social responsibility programmes focusing on youth rehabilitation and skills development. “It is certain that we cannot be the only ones doing it; we do not have the reach or the capacity to do it alone. So we must embrace serious-minded initiatives that can help,” he concluded.
In his keynote lecture, Bashorun J.K. Randle underscored the need for the government to strive to have a Lagos where every child has a chance to flourish, a state where the elites genuinely care for the common man.
Randle underlined the resilience of women and communities who, despite economic and social challenges, contributed meaningfully to the city’s development, recounting the stories of women who, decades ago, worked tirelessly to support their families and educate their children, fostering a legacy of dignity and achievement.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges of youth development and gender inequality, he emphasized that women’s leadership remains pivotal to the rebirth of Lagos, noting that structured action, community engagement, and innovation, such as the use of artificial intelligence to map the city’s growth, are key to restoring Lagos to its historic grandeur.
In her welcome address, the Chairman Anniversary Committee, Cosmopolitan Women Club, Olateju Phillips, stated that the mission of the club is to empower women, support the underprivileged, and strengthen community development, emphasizing that the rebuilt Mercy Children’s Hospital will be a self-sustaining, ultra-modern pediatric facility designed to serve generations of children, particularly the underserved.
Her words, “We are a community of professional women born by friendship and driven by purpose. Over the years, our efforts have been to actually enable women to build economic resilience and support our community development across the state. We made it to this milestone. We understand that our work is not finished.”
According to Philip, “The Hospital Committee on Human Care has marked its 20th anniversary by committing to the rebuilding and modernization of Mercy Children’s Hospital in Davis Island, Lagos, a move aimed at enhancing pediatric care, supporting vulnerable children, and advancing community development. Its design incorporates sustainable elements, and the facility is expected to serve long into the future.”
She added that while reinforcing the committee’s commitment to addressing youth addiction, economic disadvantages, and gender inclusivity, noting that through different projects, the Club is mutually helping to build a legacy that will serve generations to come.
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