The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr.  Akinwunmi Ambode, has pledged to ensure the equal treatment of men and women in workplaces and to prioritise the enforcement of the law on domestic violence, if elected into power.

Ambode, who spoke in Lagos yesterday at an interactive session organised by the Cosmopolitan Women’s Club with governorship candidates, noted that the role of women in developing any nation was second to none.

He said he was raised by a woman and, as a result, understood the challenges of women in the society.

“Our government shall pursue equal treatment for men and women in workplaces. There would be same conditions of service for men and women. Our government will prioritise and enforce laws against domestic violence and empowerment of women. We shall empower women through skill acquisition.

“My commitment towards women in everything I do is very personal. No girl would be denied good education. You can hold me accountable for every word that I have spoken.”

The APC candidate said women and girls face various challenges because they were often the most vulnerable group exposed to child abuse, child trafficking and labour exploitation.

Ambode promised to run an inclusive government to accommodate everyone, including women.

He said his administration would institute an employment trust fund with N25 billion to cater for talented youths and women.

Concerning complaints about multiple taxation, he said he would consolidate the taxes.

The APC candidate said the toll gate would remain, arguing that funds derived from the tolls were useful to the government and the people because it funded basic amenities and created jobs.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olujimi Agbaje, said women need to show more commitment to politics and governance.

He said women should run for political offices, as such positions could not be given to them on a platter of gold.

Agbaje said if elected, his administration would reserve between 20 to 25 per cent appointments at higher levels to women in the first four years.

On whether he would have a succession plan to produce a woman-governor, the PDP candidate said at the end of their tenure, his deputy would have an edge over other aspirants and that he would assist her.

Agbaje said his administration would leapfrog in many areas to improve the living standard of the people, rather than make incremental increases.

The atmosphere at the interactive session, with the theme, “What About the Women…?” was very friendly.

Ambode and Agbaje hugged several times during the event. It was also remarkable that their wives sat side-by-side.

Both Ambode and Agbaje pledged to harmonise taxes  to ease the burden on the people and the economy.

On why he should be trusted, Ambode said his track record and service was impeccable.

Agbaje said he could be trusted to deliver on his promises because his greatest strength was that he is his own person. “What you see is what you get. I am not just making empty promises,” he added.

The candidate of the Kowa Party, Victor Adeniji, enjoined women to stand up and be counted.

“It is your responsibility to take your place in the political space in Nigeria,” he added.

Adeniji said his party is gender-friendly listing the party’s Board of Trustees chairman and the presidential candidate as women.

“We try to encourage women to come out and seek elective positions, but they said politics is dirty.”