The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his government would continue to empower women to enhance their capacity for development.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Lagos, said while his government has made significant strides in capacity development with over 100,000 women empowered in various skills, his administration will not rest in its commitment to empowering more.
“We believe that empowering women economically is a catalyst to positive change. We know and our state recognises and appreciates the roles of women as mothers, sisters, and caregivers, among others. It is therefore necessary for them to be accorded their rightful place in the scheme of life,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor also said his government is working to create an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to contribute, participate, and thrive irrespective of gender, ethnic, or cultural affiliation.
According to him, “Gender equality is a fundamental aspect of social inclusion, and our administration is dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls in Lagos State. That is why we are relentless in investing in various developmental and empowerment programmes geared towards promoting gender equality and combating discrimination and gender-based violence.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, we reiterate our commitment to invest more in the development and welfare of women and the girl-child because we know we cannot attain our full potential as a state if a significant part of our population is left behind.”
He, therefore, called for all stakeholders ‘to work together regardless of physical ability to create a more equitable, inclusive and just society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potentials’.
The governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke, said women must be awake to the challenge of societal demands by being responsive. She urged them to venture into optimising opportunities while learning new things using information technologies.
Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Dada, described the theme, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’, as a call to action that resonates deeply with the core values of empowerment, equality, and inclusion that we uphold in Lagos State.
She added: “As the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, I am proud to witness the incredible strides that women have made in society. Women are the backbone of our communities, driving change, innovation, and progress in every aspect of life.
“While recognising that there are still barriers and challenges that women face, particularly in the areas of access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and representation in leadership roles, investing in women is not just a moral imperative, it is a smart investment in our collective future. When we support and empower women, we unlock their full potential and drive economic growth, social development, and sustainable progress for all. “
The commissioner added that the government remains committed to championing the rights and well-being of women, ‘even as we ensure they have the right tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.’
