Sanwo-Olu’s wife leads charge for religious tolerance, gender equality

Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and leading Islamic clerics, has called for increased religious tolerance and the elimination of gender bias as vital steps towards national peace and development.

They made the appeal during the 2025 Muslim Sisters’ Seminar organised by the Office of the First Lady at Lagos House, Ikeja. The seminar, themed “Transforming Society: Islamic Perspectives on Roles of Faith, Knowledge and Action”, also served as a prelude to the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Dr Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of religious harmony in a diverse state like Lagos.

“In a multi-religious society such as ours, peaceful coexistence is essential. Islam teaches respect for others, and we must continue to uphold and promote that value, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos,” she said.

She further stressed the need for Muslim women to overcome societal limitations and pursue both secular and religious education.

“As mothers, daughters, wives, professionals and nation builders, we must seek knowledge with zeal and instil that passion in our children and communities. An educated woman contributes not only to the home but also to societal growth. And when Muslim women are educated, they bring with them wisdom anchored in divine guidance,” she said.

Mrs Hamzat, in her remarks, encouraged Muslim women to embrace the virtues of sacrifice and selflessness, particularly those embodied in the Eid-el-Adha celebration, and to make impactful contributions to their communities.

Delivering a lecture titled “Importance of Tolerance in a Multi-Religious Society: The Case of Lagos State,” Professor Tajudeen Yussuf of the University of Lagos stated that Islam places strong emphasis on peaceful coexistence.

“Religious tolerance is the bedrock of peace and progress. In a pluralistic environment like Lagos, where Islam, Christianity and traditional beliefs co-exist, tolerance ensures social harmony, economic progress and national unity,” he said.

Prof. Yussuf also commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent efforts in fostering religious stability through interfaith dialogue, policy development and inclusive education. He advocated for continued public enlightenment and grassroots engagement to sustain religious harmony.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, delivered a paper titled “Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Gender Bias: An Islamic Imperative for Societal Transformation.”

She urged Muslim women to challenge stereotypes and play active roles in their families, workplaces, and society at large.

“Let Eid-el-Adha inspire us to sacrifice outdated prejudices. Speaking out against injustice and dismantling gender bias is not merely a social pursuit — it is a duty rooted in Islamic teachings,” she said.