2017 National Women Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), “She Creates, She Transforms”, might have come and gone, but the memory shall no doubt linger in the minds of no fewer than 3,000 participants and delegates who graced the event
The theme of the just concluded event, which is the 17th edition, has been described as most appropriate, apt and timely, considering the high level of gender inequality that the world is experiencing by extension, which is said to be large as a result of the value misplacement by both parties.
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, 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.
The opening ceremony had top society men and women from various industries in attendance. It was also a galaxy of South Western and South-South governors as the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode was present to support his wife and host of this year’s event, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode.
Also present at the opening ceremony includes the Wife of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, the Governor of Akwa Udom, Emmanuel Udom, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson, and Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.
The Royal father of Lagos state, Oba Riliwan Akinolu was also present to grace the opening ceremony as wives of governors from western states took the front stage.
In her welcome address, the chairperson of COWLSO and wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode stated that “women are uniquely created, endowed with skills and blessed with creativity. We are helpmates, we care for the family. We impact our immediate environment positively.”
While stressing that the women must never fall to the temptation of pursuing economic empowerment at the expense of taking good care and paying attention to the children, she urged women to continue to emphasise on a better and transformed society.
In the same vein, the chief host and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode noted that “a woman will only achieve her full potential in an all-inclusive society.”
He stressed that “women are the glue that holds family together and that when they are empowered, they become great assets to both their families and the nation.”
Also speaking at the event, his Bayelsa State counterpart, Governor Seriake Dickson stressed that “family is the building block of any community and that if we must put the nation in order; we must first put the family in order.”
The woman is the bedrock of the family and that for any man to be successful; his wife must not be relegated to the background but be celebrated and given her rightful place of honour and influence.”
He added that “My wife sent me here, and I shall deliver the message I got here to Her Excellency and my people in Bayelsa.
He also assured that the COWLSO ideal shall be replicated in Bayelsa State.
Corroborating this, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Udom Emmanuel Udom noted that “family is the foundation of life and that each community/nation is a reflection of the family units there.
He added that “since the woman is the basis of human existence, the woman is the foundation of life and must be so honoured.”
He urged the women to support one another by looking out for one another, amplifying the best in one another so that the evils or shortcomings limiting the development of good family units can be suppressed and conquered.
All the plenaries were fully attended and the speakers were apt and articulate enough to impart new ideas in the hearts of the delegates.
Popular Lady Mechanic was the first to bag an honorary woman of the year award from the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on the very first day.
There also lots of choice gifts and prizes, ranging from baskets of confectioneries to boxes of beverages, creams, clothes, perfumes, refrigerators, deep freezers and Televisions were given away by raffle.
Four lucky winners also bagged a free return ticket to Dubai on an all-expenses-paid trip for 5 days. A lady also won an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana.
The event was graced with top Nigerian artises who entertained the participants at the Gala Nite. Suga band was on the stand, while Simi, Alhaji Tekno and Mavin Queen, Tiwa Savage stun as they render their popular hit songs on the stage.
Six (6) lucky winners also claimed each brand new car each at the end of the event.
At the closing ceremony of the event, the executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode assures that there shall be more gifts to be won next year and the opportunities of winning 10 cars shall be extended beyond cross section of delegates.
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