… Urge Women to ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries’
The Governors of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, among other top government functionaries, have acknowledged the dedication of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to community development and women’s empowerment.
They gave the commendation at the opening ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference, organised by COWLSO, at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. (Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor, lauded the Lagos State Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and praised the efforts of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her exemplary leadership.
“I congratulate you on the successful hosting of this conference. This platform has added immense value to the policy of women’s inclusion and other gender-friendly initiatives of the Government”, he said.
The Governor also praised the theme of the conference, “Soar Beyond Boundaries; Enrich Communities”, describing it as timely and inspiring. Governor Eno highlighted that women around the world, including in Nigeria, are breaking glass ceilings and contributing to nation-building.
He noted that his Deputy Governor is the first female to hold the position, and that women make up nearly 50% of Permanent Secretaries in his administration.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended COWLSO’s significant contributions to healthcare, education, and the economic empowerment of women and youth.
“Projects such as the provision of modern medical equipment to health centres, the construction of schools, and the organisation of skill acquisition programmes have directly contributed to improving the quality of life for Lagosians”, he said.
The Governor also pointed out that COWLSO’s initiatives align with his administration’s THEMES Plus Development Agenda, which focuses on enhancing human capital and promoting inclusive economic growth across the state.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enrich Communities”, the Governor described the choice as timely and powerful. He emphasised the importance of women breaking societal limitations and contributing fully to the development of their communities.
“This conference is not just a gathering of minds; it is a call to action”, the Governor said, urging participants to transform the knowledge gained into initiatives that will enrich the lives of others.
He called on all participants to embody the spirit of the event’s theme, urging them to “soar beyond boundaries and enrich our communities”, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to empowering women and supporting COWLSO’s mission of fostering sustainable development in Lagos and across Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of COWLSO, highlighted a paradigm shift in COWLSO’s focus from infrastructural development to investing in capacity-building and creating more opportunities for women.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the significance of the conference as a platform aimed at empowering women for professional growth, leadership, and self-reliance. She called on women to break boundaries and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“Women globally are challenging the status quo, contributing immensely to the world economy, and positively influencing their communities with transformative ideas. This conference will inspire us to continue soaring beyond limitations”, she said.
The First Lady paid tribute to COWLSO’s founding members and acknowledged the leadership of her predecessors, including the current First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, as well as former First Ladies Dame Emmanuella Fashola and Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, among others.
Highlighting COWLSO’s achievements, Dr. Sanwo-Olu reported that 13 schools had been renovated with new facilities, and various orphanages were supported with essential items and infrastructure.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was specially recognized by COWLSO as the ‘Inspiration Woman of the Year’, expressed her gratitude for the honour. She reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality and the emancipation of women, urging them to remain focused and prioritise the development of children while making time to nurture their wards for tomorrow.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Oluwatoyin Adeyemi, Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, and Professor Rotimi Coker, who addressed key topics such as the prevention of communicable diseases, social welfare strategies, and the development of the boy child, with Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, being one of the prominent contributors.
The opening session of the conference was graced by several First Ladies, top government officials, traditional rulers, and delegates from various states across the country.
