Remi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first lady, has advised women to break the glass ceiling to reach their full potential, pointing out that women have the power to shape the future as agents of positive change.

Ms Tinubu said this on Tuesday in Victoria Island while declaring open the 23rd National Women’s Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

”But to unleash our potential fully, we must continue to break down barriers that limit our progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all. Education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential pillars that will enable us to unleash our potential.

”We must work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential. Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success. It is about uplifting our families, communities, and our great nation as a whole. When women are empowered, society thrives,” the Nigerian first lady.

Ms Tinubu added, ”I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the theme of this conference, ‘Unleash Your Potential’, not only for your benefit but for your individual States and the benefit of our beloved nation.”

She urged women to continue to strive towards contributing to the prosperity and progress of the country. Ms Tinubu said women have much potential and need to defy the odds to contribute to national development.

The first lady said that women face more challenges in various endeavours, urging them to seek help if they struggle while working on their goals.

The chairwoman of COWLSO, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged women to think outside the box and be relevant in society. Ms Sanwo-Olu urged them to take risks, face their fears and push past their comfort zones; when they do, they should ”unleash their potential” and discover what they can achieve.

She said the focus is to bridge the gap between where women are presently and the place where they ought to be, where their potential will be fully unleashed.

”This does not only apply to our family life. It also applies to the workplace, business, and every area of our lives. Unleashing one’s potential is a step one has to take with courage; one has to dare to take that step,” Ms Sanwo-Olu stated. “When you have to do it, dare to do it! You plan to rob the world of its treasures if you decide to die with your potential undeveloped and unutilised.”

The Lagos first lady added, ”Therefore, my sisters, release yourselves and explore the world. Be the best version of yourself, and unleash your potential.” 

(NAN)