The 2025 APC Lagos State Women Summit brought together leading voices in politics, governance, and advocacy to push for greater youth and women participation in Nigeria’s political space. The summit, themed “Arise, Aspire and Ascend”, was held in Ikeja on Thursday and drew influential figures including Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

Read more: APC Women Summit 2025: Sanwo-Olu and Women Affairs Minister Call for Early Youth Political Integration

In her keynote address, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritising women and youth in his administration, noting that his cabinet includes eight female ministers. She highlighted that over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under 25, stressing the urgency of integrating young people into politics. She urged Nigerian youths to prepare to play decisive roles in future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

“We have never had it this good, and we must make good use of this opportunity,” the minister said, while commending First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her dedication to empowering women and youth through social and economic programmes.

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, also called for early mentorship to nurture civic responsibility in young people. Citing examples from northern Nigeria, she encouraged parents in the southwest to expose their children early to political awareness. She expressed concern about the low voter turnout in the 2023 Lagos governorship election, where only about 762,000 residents voted out of seven million registered voters.

Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the APC Lagos State Women Leader, urged women to take ownership of the Renewed Hope Agenda and showcase the government’s achievements across their communities. She described women as not only participants but also custodians of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Other speakers at the summit, including panelists and party stakeholders, called on women to break cultural barriers and for young people to engage actively in grassroots politics, voter registration, and mentorship opportunities.

The event, which featured notable women leaders such as Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and others, reaffirmed the growing movement for inclusive governance. It also underscored the role of public mobilisation in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.