By Sodiq Adelakun
The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has announced that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State will serve as Special Guests of Honour at the forthcoming 25th National Women’s Conference, organised by COWLSO.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday, at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Dr Sanwo-Olu said this year’s conference, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation.”
She disclosed that the three-day conference will take place from Monday, 28th to Wednesday, 30th October 2025, at the Eko Hotels and Suites Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to her, the event will attract over 3,000 physical participants and about 2,000 virtual attendees from within and outside the country, including professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society advocates.
She said: “For a quarter of a century, COWLSO has stood tall as a formidable platform committed to the advancement, empowerment, and transformation of women in Lagos and beyond.
“This year’s theme challenges us to reflect on our journey, celebrate our legacies, and prepare the next generation of women leaders to continue the work.”
The First Lady noted that the presence of Governors Uzodinma and Aliyu at the opening and closing ceremonies respectively reflects the spirit of national unity and underscores the recognition of COWLSO’s impact as a catalyst for women’s development across Nigeria.
She further outlined a series of pre-conference activities, including free health screenings, environmental sanitation, empowerment for vulnerable persons, and visits to orphanages and care homes.
These, she said, were part of COWLSO’s ongoing commitment to community service and social impact.
The 2025 conference, according to her, will feature plenary discussions, interactive sessions, and exhibitions focused on women’s productivity, leadership, safety, and entrepreneurship.
Key sessions will include topics such as “Women as Change-Makers: Combating Trafficking, Organ Harvesting, and Unsafe Practices” and “Celebrating 25 Years of Women-Led Entrepreneurship—Past, Present, and Future.”
Dr Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the conference would host a special session titled “Celebrating Legacy: Harnessing Leadership Insights for the Next Generation,” featuring past and present First Ladies of Lagos State who will share their experiences in leadership and mentorship.
The First Lady appreciated the media for their unwavering partnership and called on Nigerian women to participate actively in this year’s event, whether physically or virtually, saying the proceedings would be live-streamed on all Lagos State Government social media platforms.
The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) was established to complement government efforts in improving the welfare of citizens, particularly women and children, through advocacy, empowerment, and community development initiatives.
