Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for the inclusion of women to remain at the heart of Africa’s development agenda, warning that societies sacrifice innovation, economic growth and practical solutions when women are denied opportunities in technology and engineering.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA) in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu described the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as more than a gender issue. He argued that it is a challenge with far-reaching consequences for Africa’s future.

Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, the governor addressed participants at the summit, themed “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology.”

“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,” he said.

He stressed that “inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda.”

Sanwo-Olu commended the organizers of WITESA for five years of supporting women and girls across Africa through mentorship, training and leadership development. According to him, the initiative has demonstrated what is possible when women are given equal opportunities to thrive, creating a growing network of innovators and technology leaders across the continent.

Highlighting the rapid transformation of the global economy through technology, the governor said countries that invest in innovation, infrastructure and skilled talent will be best positioned for the future. Africa, he noted, cannot achieve its full potential while excluding half of its population.

“Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation,” he said.

“This is not merely a gender issue; it is an economic issue, a development issue and a competitiveness issue.”

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating a more inclusive innovation ecosystem, citing initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, which provides digital and entrepreneurial skills training, and the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council, which supports researchers and start-ups developing practical solutions. He added that the state continues to invest in digital infrastructure and governance programmes designed to expand opportunities for women and young people.

Congratulating the award recipients, he praised them for breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

“Your achievements are inspiring. You have challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that excellence knows no gender,” he said.

“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.”

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described investing in women in STEM as one of the smartest investments any society can make.

He said the awards represented recognition, representation and responsibility, adding that celebrating women’s achievements also provides visible role models for girls considering careers in science and engineering.

“Visibility is power,” he said, noting that recognition encourages young women who may still be questioning whether they belong in STEM.

Mignot, however, acknowledged that significant barriers remain, including unequal access to education and funding, gender bias in recruitment and investment decisions, workplace safety concerns, and the challenge of balancing professional and family responsibilities.

“Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard,” he said.

He urged governments, businesses, investors and universities to work together, arguing that expanding opportunities for women is not only a matter of equality but also essential to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

Motunrayo Opayinka, Chief Executive Officer of Womenovate and convener of WITESA 2026, said the summit was created to celebrate women whose contributions to STEM often go unnoticed despite the obstacles they overcome.

Addressing the award recipients, she said, “Take your roses. You deserve them. This platform exists to recognise your contributions to the ecosystem.”

The event concluded with the presentation of the Public Sector Technology and Engineering Leader of the Year award to Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

By UMM E HABIBA (Punjab, Pakistan)