Science & Tech
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, presenting an award to a recipient
GOV. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that inclusion must remain at the centre of Africa’s development agenda.
He warned that societies lose innovation and solutions when talented women are denied opportunities in technology and engineering.
Sanwo-Olu made the assertions on Wednesday at the 2026 Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA) held in Lagos.
The event had the theme: “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology”.
The governor was represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada.
Sanwo-Olu said that the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and innovation was not only a gender issue but also an economic, development and competitiveness challenge.
“Every time a talented young woman is unable to access quality education, mentorship, funding or opportunities in the technology ecosystem, we all lose ideas, innovation, and solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.
“That is why inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda,” he said.
The governor commended the organisers of WITESA for their commitment over the last five years to empowering women and girls across Africa to pursue careers in technology, engineering, innovation and leadership.
He said the success of the initiative had demonstrated that when women are given access to opportunities, they excel, innovate and transform societies.
According to him, the platform has impacted thousands of women through digital skills training, mentorship, professional development and recognition.
“More importantly, it has helped to create a growing community of female innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders who are contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that technology was redefining economies, reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for growth and prosperity globally.
He said countries that would lead in the future would be those that successfully harness innovation, invest in infrastructure and develop the human capital required to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The governor, however, stressed that Africa could not fully realise its potential if half of its talent pool was left behind.
“Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation.
“This is not merely a gender issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue and a competitiveness issue,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to creating an environment where innovation could thrive and opportunities would be accessible to all, irrespective of gender or background.
He said that through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the state continued to equip thousands of residents with digital and entrepreneurial skills required for present and future jobs.
He added that through the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council, the government was supporting innovators, researchers and start-ups whose ideas had the potential to solve real-world problems and create economic value.
“We are also investing in digital infrastructure, technology-enabled governance and programmes that encourage greater participation of women and young people in the innovation ecosystem.
“We recognise that the future belongs to societies that maximise the potential of all their citizens.
“To every award recipient, your achievements are inspiring. You have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that excellence knows no gender.
“Through your work, you are opening doors for the next generation of girls who dare to dream of becoming engineers, scientists, innovators and technology leaders,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged stakeholders to continue working together to ensure that every talented woman had the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s progress.
“We should build an Africa where innovation includes everyone, opportunities are accessible and every young person can fulfil their potential,” he said.
Also speaking, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described investment in women in science, technology and engineering as one of the smartest investments any society could make.
Mignot said the awards were important because they promoted recognition, representation and responsibility.
“Recognition because they shine a spotlight on remarkable women and teens whose contributions are too often invisible. And visibility is power.
“It inspires others, especially girls and young women who may be wondering if there is a place for them in STEM and engineering,” he said.
The ambassador noted that the nominees and awardees reflected the diversity of Africa’s talent across regions, disciplines and generations, helping to challenge stereotypes about who could become a technology leader or engineer.
He, however, identified persistent barriers facing women, including unequal access to quality education and finance, recruitment and investment biases, safety concerns and the dual burden of balancing family and professional responsibilities.
“Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard,” he said.
Mignot said the European Union shared the conviction that investing in women in STEM was good economics, smart development policy and a matter of justice.
He urged governments, companies, investors, universities and development partners to take concrete steps that would make it easier for women to study, work, innovate and lead in STEM-related fields.
“This is not only about fairness and women’s rights; it is about unlocking Nigeria’s and Africa’s full potential by setting free the entire potential of women,” he said.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026, Motunrayo Opayinka, said the awards were designed to celebrate women’s contributions to the STEM ecosystem.
She noted that many women often had to work harder than their male counterparts to attain similar levels of success and recognition.
“So, take your roses, you deserve it. This platform is here today to recognise your contributions to the ecosystem.”
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Opayinka described the event as a well-deserved recognition of the women’s achievements and impact in the technology and engineering sectors.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Public Sector Technology & Engineering Leader of the year awards to the Lagos State Deputy Gov. Dr Obafemi Hamzat. (NAN)
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Tags: Sanwo Olu Women in Tech