2018 National Women Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), “Strengthening Our Collective Impact”, might have come and gone, but the memory shall no doubt, lingers in the minds of no fewer than 3,000 participants and delegates who graced the event between Tuesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Prestigious Eko Hotels And Suites.
The theme of the just concluded event, which is the 18th edition, has been described as most appropriate, apt and timely, considering the impact of social media as it affects the new generation vis-à-vis our highly conserved cultural pastime as an African nation.
The three-day event, which held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos brought together over three thousand women from Lagos State and other states in Nigeria who sent delegates as they deliberated on critical issues confronting women and parent, to proffer practical solutions aimed at achieving sustainable development by creating necessary support systems and policies to strengthen the home front, thereby strengthening the nation.
City People Media Team was there to give you full gist of what went down at the 3-day event
Day 1
Edo State Governor Opens The Event
Declaring the conference open, Governor of Edo State, Dr. Godwin Obaseki said the programme had helped in connecting the family with government, as wives of government officials had always ensured that they supported their husbands in the smooth running of government.
“This is a powerful network, it is powerful because it serves as an opportunity for government to reach its people in another perspective of what is going on across the state,” he said, adding that it was only the family of government officials who would be able to point them in the right direction when they appeared to derail from the track.
Obaseki commended COWLSO for its intervention in the health sector through donations of health equipment to hospitals as well as making significant contributions for the well-being of the less privileged in the society, adding that the committee served as inspiration to many states, as such ideas had been replicated in many states, while assuring that Edo State would soon replicate the same for women in the state.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Inspirational Woman Award to Mrs Toyin Sokefun-Bello, popularly known as ‘TY Bello’, for her outstanding work in photography and creative art.
Gov Ambode Ably Represented By His Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has charged women in the country to engage action and embrace the unity of purpose, to achieve significant and lasting social change beneficial to all.
He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the National Women’s Conference, held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to him, the theme of this year’s conference, “Strengthening Our Collective Impact,” was a call for unity of purpose and coordinated action among women, to achieve their goals.
The governor said COWLSO had worked ceaselessly to complement the efforts of their spouses in government, stressing that “we are proud of your achievements, particularly in the area of giving hope and succour to the less privileged, through donations both in cash and kind. The theme of this conference is very apt and a call for unity of purpose and action.”
Women, Key To Growth Of Any Nation – Her Excellency, Bolanle Ambode
Chairman of COWLSO, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, said without being immodest, women all over the world were pillars of growth and development of their countries, as they had played roles that demonstrated how important they were to the progress of their countries economically, politically, socially and in all other areas that mattered.
She noted that women in Nigeria were no different, and that COWLSO was happy that women in Lagos State were setting the pace, adding that “our quest to continually improve the welfare of women and sustain the vantage position of Lagos state in the federation, are key objectives behind our coming together annually, to discuss the way forward. This year, we will be examining topics around the central theme: ‘Strengthening Our Collective Impact.’
TY Bello Receives Inspirational Woman Of The Year Award By COWLSO
Nigeria’s famous female photographer and singer, TY Bello is a happy woman at the moment as the collectivity of women of purpose under the auspice of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, headed by Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, acknowledges her distinct and exceptional effort in the art industry as a female photographer and a mother. She was recognised as the Inspirational Woman of The Year
Toyin Sokefun-Bello, prior to pursuing a solo career as a singer and photographer, she was a member of the defunct gospel band Kush.
Her creativity and artistic vision have shot her into the limelight, and she has over the years raised models and giants the cause of liberating young women from the clutches of abuse and poverty.
A very popular case is the story of Olajumoke, the bread seller, whose life-changing encounter with the award-winning TY Bello has attracted global commendation.
Presenting the award to TY Bello, her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, commended her effort towards changing lives and making the world a better place in her own little way.
Day 2
Stunning Opener By Mr Real
COWLSO conference came alive as Naija’s wave-making music star, Mr Real hit the state at the Convention centre, Eko Hotel, Lagos.
Popular Afro-pop and highlife singer, Mr. Real was on hand to thrill the fun-loving COWLSO women as he delivered an electrifying performance that lit up the evening.
The entertainer was at his superb best, switching up the tempo as he delivered many of his hit songs from “Is A Banger” to “Legbegbe” which kept the happy women grooving all along. The audience also not wanting to be outdone by the music star, took him on in an unending sing-along with some members of the audience even coming on stage to dance with the self-acclaimed Mr Real.
Small Doctor Steals Show
Nigeria’s indigenous music commander, Small Doctor stole the show at the 2018 COWLSO Gala night, as women took to their feet to dance to the beat, as rendered by the humble and young artiste.
Small Doctor took time to share his encounter with the first lady the very first time and how loving, motherly and kind she was to him. He openly prostrated before the first lade and promised never to disappoint her.
He also prayed for all the women in the house that they will all eat the fruit of their labour. This was after he jocularly asked the Governor to employer his mother who is popularly referred to as Iya Teacher.
Small Doctor’s energetic display thrilled the women and they all had a swell time with his performance.
TIWA SAVAGE THRILLS FANS AT 2018 COWLSO CONFERENCE
Multi-award winning Nigerian superstar singer, Tiwa Savage, has continued her stunning fiesta as she was filmed thrilling her thousands of fans during her performance at COWLSO 2018 at the Convention centre Eko Hotel.
Mavin Records first lady, Tiwa Savage’s thousands of COWLSO women were thrilled with a performance that was nothing short of amazing and mind-blowing during her performance
The energy she displayed and infused into the crowd was also like none other we’ve seen in a long time.
The performance reminded us of P-Square’s concerts in their prime, no disrespect to anyone for this comparison, but it is what it is. She simply killed it.
In addition, COWLSO women were also surprised to see her displayed such huge energy, as she moves around the hall to show respect and appreciation to COWLSO mothers.
Olamide Pulls Stunts At 2018 Cowlso Conference
Nigerian Indigenous rapper, Olamide Adedeji also known as ‘Baddo,’ on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, thrilled COWLSO women with a superlative performance at the 2018 COWLSO conference
The Bariga born artist performed several of his songs including ‘Rapsodi,’ ‘Eledami,’ ‘Fada Fada (ghetto gospel), ”Bobo’ and ‘Wo’ to the admiration of guests, women and fun seekers at the event.
Before leaving the stage, the rapper appreciated the governor, His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife and guests at the event adding that he loved the Lagos’ first family.
Suga Band On Stand By
Screams erupted from around the arena at the appearance of Suga Band, rising from behind the stage and directly into the euphoria of celebration and classic delivery one expects from a polished band like theirs,
Each member rendered exceptional hit songs from past and present as the COWLSO women couldn’t get enough
Full List Of Winners At 2018 Cowlso Conference
The atmosphere at the Eko Convention Center is was in awe as the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials is having all the fun at the 2018 COWLSO Gala Night!. The raffle was drawn and here are the winners;
Eleganza Hand Luggage
00737 – 00788 – 01117 – 02354-
00578 – 01932 – 01139 – 02666 –
01715 – 01243
Eleganza Hand luggage
00115 00905 00558 00563 01659 02587
01296 01941 01836 01059 00044 00355
01611 02389 02494 02487 02055 02440
00125 01385 00815 02276 01396 00830
02284 02639 01740 01802 00362
– Samsung Android Tablet
02360 01329 01075 02421
– Tablet
00367- 01044 – 00242
– Eleganza Hand luggage
00286 02090 00316 00913 01408 01080 00977
01733 01153 00007
– Local Gas Burners
02187 – 02232 – 01951 –
– Lace Fabrics
01077 00345 00634 01688 00003
00449 00740 00049
Gas Burners
00470 00826 02239 01782 00387 00841 01601
00629 02253 00885 01224 02245 01223 00210
00356 00460 00849 01540 01289 00349 00305
00461 02498 01617 00665
HI-SENSE MICROWAVE
01387 02559 00311 00742
POT
00078 00025 00180
GRINDING MACHINES
01761 00041
SHARP LED TV
00152 01234 00851 00474 01741 00161
00969
GAS COOKER
00474 00462 00787 01495
GAS COOKERS WITH SIX BURNERS
02206 00587 00111
WASHING MACHINE
00510 01803 00719
LED TV SET
00037 00712
REFRIGERATORS
02636 01501 01604 02079 00947
CHEST FREEZER
00627 01484 00271 02135 02567 02252 02371 02007
6-6 COMPLETE BED WITH 2 PILLOWS
00117 00095 01344
FREEZER
02207
MOTORCYCLE
01675 00283
ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO DUBAI
00458
ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO LONDON
02361
BRAND NEW CAR
01228 – Mrs Adeola Osunsanya
00878 – Sunkanmi Oyegbola
01327 – Oladele Oluwakemi
00993 – Mrs Funke Adewale
00450 – Akeusola Bolanle Nofisat
00118 – Idayat Olayinka
01883 – Sekinat Apatira
Day 3
Friends of COWLSO: Recipients Of Cowlso Appreciation Award: Dr Stella Okoli
Stella Chinyelu Okoli (MON, OON) is a Nigerian pharmacist and entrepreneur. She is the founder and current C.E.O of Emzor Pharmaceutical, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
Stella was born in Kano State, Northern Nigeria into the family of Felix Ebelechukwu and Margaret Modebelu, descents of Nnewi in Anambra State. She started her formal education in 1954 after enrolling as a pupil at All Saint Primary School, Onitsha before proceeding to complete her secondary school education in 1964 at Ogidi Girls Secondary School, Ogidi.
In 1969, Stella graduated from the University of Bradford after studying Pharmacy. She also holds an M.Sc certificate in Biopharmaceutical after graduating from the University of London, Chelsea College in 1971.
Friends of COWLSO: Recipients Of Cowlso Appreciation Award: Eko Hotels & Suites
Eko Hotels and Suites is a five-star conference centre hotel in Lagos. Established in 1977 as Èkó Holiday Inn and built on Victoria Island. it is the largest hotel in Nigeria. It was designed by architect Oluwole Olumuyiwa in collaboration with Americans. It was subsequently renamed Le Meridien Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. L’ Hotel Eko Le Meridien is part of the Chagoury Group of companies.
Eko Hotels & Suites has the largest Convention Centre in Nigeria. Events that have taken place at the hotel include; concerts, movie premieres, international exhibitions, weddings, conferences and Award ceremonies. The Convention centre is usually used for these events and can cater to 6,000 people.
Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu Commends Gov Ambode, COWLSO’s Tremendous Performance in 3 Years
Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, at the closing ceremony of COWLSO stated that the emergence of LAKE Rice would not have been possible without Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, supported by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO.
He said the partnership between Kebbi and Lagos had helped to improve the economy of Lagos and Nigeria in terms of local production of rice.
“Without Ambode, there will not have been LAKE Rice. The significant of LAKE Rice was that it encouraged a revival of ‘I can do it spirit,” he submitted.
He said the emergence of LAKE Rice had helped the nation to reduce the importation of rice by 90 per cent, as captured by President Muhammadu Buhari recently when he met the British Prime Minister, Theresa May
“Without Ambode, we won’t have been able to do that and that was because he got the support of his wife, who is the Chairman of COWLSO. His wife supported the idea and that was why it was successful,” he said.
Bagudu, however, said COWLSO had done tremendously well by organizing the conference over the years in order to reposition women and take them to an enviable position in the society, adding that he was impressed that women in Lagos could take time off their busy schedule, to gather in a place to network and educate themselves on issues that affected women and society.
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