The 25th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) ended on a vibrant and celebratory note on Thursday night at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with several participants walking away with mouth-watering prizes — including a ₦20 million cash prize, a brand-new GAC pickup, a new home, and international return tickets.
The highlight of the grand gala night was the presentation of a ₦20 million cash prize to Mrs. Florence Obayomi-Davies, a staff member of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Other major winners included Mrs. Olusola Oduguwa, a retired Permanent Secretary, who received the keys to a new home, and Ms. Thelma Abidemi Madume of Coker Aguda LCDA, who won a brand-new GAC pickup truck.
Also among the lucky winners were Mrs. Adekemi Folorunsho and Mrs. Ayisat Yebode, who each won return tickets to Ghana, while Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bolanle Falade received a return ticket to London.
Delivering his closing address, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended COWLSO for its 25 years of empowering women, strengthening families, and inspiring generations.
He described the silver jubilee edition, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” as both a celebration of legacy and a renewal of purpose.
“Over the past few days, we have not only celebrated a legacy, we have renewed a movement,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“We have reflected on twenty-five years of purpose, passion, and progress. Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this legacy forward.”
The Governor paid glowing tribute to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, for revitalising COWLSO during her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State, and praised the current Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for sustaining and expanding its vision.
“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,” he noted.
Sanwo-Olu urged participants to take the spirit of COWLSO back to their communities by translating conference discussions into measurable actions and mentoring the next generation of women leaders.
“The next 25 years will depend on how boldly we continue to mentor, to serve, and to lead,” he said.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State and COWLSO Chairperson, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, expressed profound gratitude to God for the success of the landmark conference, describing it as “a true celebration of women’s strength, brilliance, and resilience.”
“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 raffle draw winners remind us that every woman’s dream is valid and achievable.”
Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the Planning Committee chaired by Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu for their dedication, and appreciated the support of development partners, sponsors, and the media.
She urged participants to uphold the legacy of the Silver Jubilee edition by becoming ambassadors of leadership, compassion, and service.
“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,” she charged.
The event, which climaxed with a dazzling gala night filled with music, dance, and camaraderie, marked the end of three days of engaging sessions focused on mentorship, empowerment, and societal transformation.
Giving the vote of thanks, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, appreciated all contributors to the success of the conference and urged participants to sustain the conference theme by building stronger and healthier communities across Lagos and Nigeria.
