The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, has emphasised the importance of empowering women as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development across Africa.
Eko Hot News reports that Sarumi delivered the keynote address at the Women SDGs Advocates Conference organised to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026.
The conference, themed “Give to Gain, Empowering Women Through Shared Action,” focused on promoting women’s participation in economic and social development initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Sarumi highlighted the vital role women play in shaping communities, economies and leadership structures across the continent.
She noted that empowering women through access to education, financial services, digital skills and leadership opportunities remains essential to achieving the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to her, stronger investment in women empowerment will support poverty reduction, strengthen economic growth and encourage inclusive development.
Sarumi explained that when women have access to resources and opportunities, they are better positioned to contribute to their families, communities and national development.
She also stressed that the participation of women in leadership and entrepreneurship plays an important role in advancing sustainable growth in African societies.
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted several initiatives implemented by the Lagos State Government under the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
She explained that these initiatives align with the government’s THEMES Plus Agenda which prioritises economic empowerment, innovation and social inclusion.
According to Sarumi, the Office of Sustainable Development Goals has implemented targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s financial inclusion across underserved communities.
She revealed that one of the office’s flagship initiatives has supported more than 1,600 women through financial literacy training and entrepreneurial capacity development.
The programme also provided participants with access to digital banking services and practical knowledge needed to manage small businesses successfully.
Sarumi noted that the initiative focuses particularly on women in underserved communities who often face barriers to financial opportunities and digital access.
She explained that strengthening financial literacy helps women improve household income and contribute to broader economic development.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that partnerships among government agencies, private sector organisations and development partners remain essential to sustaining women empowerment programmes.
She encouraged stakeholders to work collectively in supporting initiatives that promote women’s participation in economic activities and leadership roles.
Sarumi further stressed that empowering women is not only a social priority but also an important strategy for achieving the global development agenda.
According to her, sustainable development cannot be fully achieved without ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls.
She concluded by calling for continued collaboration and investment in women empowerment initiatives across Africa.
Sarumi reiterated that progress in women empowerment will play a critical role in meeting the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She summarised the message of the conference by stating that when women succeed, communities thrive and sustainable development becomes achievable across societies.
