By Ayomide Otitoju
The 25th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) ended in grand style on Thursday night at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with lucky participants going home with star prizes, including a brand-new GAC pickup truck, a new home, and a ₦20 million cash prize.
The highlight of the glamorous Gala Night, held on Wednesday, was the announcement of a ₦20 million award to Mrs. Florence Obayomi-Davies, a staff member of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Other major winners included Mrs. Olusola Oduguwa, a retired Permanent Secretary who received a new home, and Ms. Thelma Abidemi Madume of Coker Aguda LCDA, who won the GAC pickup truck.
Additional winners, Mrs. Adekemi Folorunsho and Mrs. Ayisat Yebode, received return tickets to Ghana, while Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bolanle Falade was awarded a return ticket to London.
Delivering his closing address, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised COWLSO for 25 years of empowering women, transforming families, and inspiring communities. He described the silver jubilee edition as both “a celebration of legacy and a renewal of a movement dedicated to uplifting women and strengthening society.”
“Over the past few days, we have reflected on 25 years of purpose, passion, and progress,” the governor said. “Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this legacy forward.”
The governor also paid glowing tribute to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who revitalized COWLSO during her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State, and commended Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the current Chairperson, for sustaining and expanding the organisation’s impact.
“What began as a gathering of women with shared values has become a force that uplifts families, transforms communities, and shapes policy conversations across Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
In her closing remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to God and all participants for making the Silver Jubilee edition, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” a resounding success.
She described the conference as a “true celebration of women’s strength, brilliance, and resilience,” noting that it had renewed participants’ drive to effect change in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
“Our interactions over the past three days have once again shown that when women come together with passion and focus, the results are always inspiring,” she said.
The First Lady acknowledged the virtual participation of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, and commended the Planning Committee, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu, for the successful execution of the landmark event.
She urged women to carry forward the spirit of the Silver Jubilee by serving as ambassadors of leadership, compassion, and community transformation.
“Let us go forth as ambassadors of COWLSO’s visionary legacy, inspiring others and transforming our communities in ways that truly reflect the spirit of this Silver Jubilee,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu charged.
The event concluded with a vibrant Gala Night, featuring music, dance, and celebration, as delegates marked 25 years of impactful service, mentorship, and women’s empowerment in Lagos and beyond.
In her vote of thanks, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the conference’s success, encouraging participants to continue building stronger and healthier communities in line with the conference’s enduring theme.
