The Lagos State APC Women Summit, themed “Arise. Aspire. Ascend.”, took place in Lagos on Thursday, September 4, at Alausa, Ikeja. The gathering was more than an event. It was a declaration of intent. Women leaders, policymakers, youth, and allies in governance came together to chart a bold course for women’s participation in Nigeria’s political future. Anchored in a vision of strength, dignity, and leadership, the summit positioned women as catalysts for national transformation.
The programme blended, dialogue, and inspiration in ways that left a lasting impact. From the moving docudrama The Mandate We Carry by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture to powerful goodwill messages delivered by dignitaries including Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo Olum, First Lady of Lagos State, the summit demonstrated that women are not on the sidelines of nation building but at its very heart.
A central highlight was the keynote address by Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, who reminded the audience that when a woman ascends, the whole nation rises. Her message urged Nigerian women to rise above limitations and to claim their space in governance. The speech balanced urgent facts about representation with a hopeful roadmap for economic and political inclusion.
Equally impactful was the fireside chat on Translating Power to the People, a conversation about women leading the shift and the role men must play. Moderated by veteran journalist Bimbo Oloyede, the session brought together voices across generations, from Barr. Babatunde Ogala SAN and Dr. Mary Alile Idele to young leaders such as Lukman Barakat Abike. The dialogue underscored that progress depends on collaboration between seasoned leaders, emerging youth voices, and supportive male allies.
The summit also celebrated outstanding contributions to public life through an award presentation that recognized trailblazers shaping Nigeria’s civic and political landscape. Creative elements and moments of reflection reinforced the summit’s purpose, while practical discussions focused on how attendees could translate inspiration into action at the community level.
Beyond programme highlights, the summit issued a clear call to action. Participants were charged to mobilize new voters, especially young women aged 17 to 35, to prepare for grassroots leadership, and to share real governance stories that build trust in public policy and national programs. These steps were presented as practical commitments that will reshape political engagement ahead of 2027 and beyond.
The Lagos State APC Women Summit set the tone for what comes next. It was not just a meeting of minds but the spark of a movement, one where women are not only supporters of power but carriers of it. The energy, inspiration, and resolve from this gathering will echo far beyond Lagos, fueling a nationwide shift in how women lead and how Nigeria evolves.
By anchoring its vision within the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the summit connected the aspirations of Nigerian women with the nation’s broader path of renewal. The summit reinforced that women are central to the success of the national vision and invited every participant to carry the mandate forward in their communities.
