Sanwo-Olu hails COWLSO on 25yrs, says women’s leadership key to Nigeria’s future
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) for its 25 years of transformational work in women’s empowerment.
He described the organisation as a “movement that has turned compassion into community impact and inspiration into enduring legacy.”
Delivering his goodwill message on Tuesday at the 25th National Women’s Conference, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu said the silver jubilee celebration was a moment to honour the vision, strength, and service of the women whose efforts had defined the group’s journey over the last quarter-century.
“Twenty-five years ago, a simple yet powerful idea was born — that the wives of Lagos State officials could come together to serve, uplift, and make a difference. From that vision came COWLSO, a movement that has transformed compassion into community impact,” the Governor said.
He traced the rebirth of COWLSO to the leadership of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, noting that her foresight gave new life to the organisation and established the National Women’s Conference as its flagship annual gathering for leadership, mentorship, and social advocacy.
“We must pay tribute to one woman whose vision gave new life to this great movement — Senator Oluremi Tinubu. As First Lady of Lagos, she reawakened COWLSO and transformed it into a vibrant force for social change,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu expressed profound appreciation to his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the current Chairman of COWLSO, for her tireless devotion to women’s development and family well-being. He also acknowledged Chief (Mrs.) Oluremi Hamzat, the Vice Chairperson, and Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu, the Chairperson of this year’s conference, for their commitment to the success of the silver jubilee edition.
Speaking on the conference theme “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” the Governor said it was a call to action that reminded society that legacy is not about the past but about preparing others for the future.
“Inspiring the next generation means empowering our daughters and young women to believe that no dream is too distant, no height too high, and no boundary too strong to break,” he said.
He highlighted how COWLSO’s projects, including healthcare missions, educational support, and empowerment programmes have continued to uplift families and communities across Lagos.
The Governor also described the annual Gala Night Raffle Draw as one of the conference’s most heartwarming traditions, noting that beyond the excitement of winning prizes like cars and houses, it has transformed lives and offered real socio-economic relief to women and families.
“Many of the winners have experienced real uplift, small business owners now have mobility to grow, civil servants enjoy greater comfort, and families have found renewed dignity through these thoughtful gestures,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the next 25 years of COWLSO would be even more transformative, urging participants to use the conference to deepen leadership, inclusivity, and women’s participation in governance.
He also welcomed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, whose participation, he said, underscored the national importance of the conference.
“COWLSO’s next 25 years will be even more vibrant and inclusive. Its capacity to shape a Lagos and a Nigeria where every woman can dream freely, lead boldly, and thrive fully will be unmatched,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the Silver Jubilee edition as a “celebration of visionary legacy and service to humanity.”
She noted that COWLSO, since its inception, has remained “a formidable platform for empowering women, promoting family values, and supporting government initiatives through programmes in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.”
The Lagos First Lady highlighted several empowerment initiatives carried out by COWLSO within the last year, including free medical screening for over 3,000 residents, support for persons with disabilities, and vocational training for youths in government rehabilitation centres.
She said the organisation has also intensified its environmental advocacy through market sanitation campaigns in Oshodi, Surulere, Epe, and Mushin, promoting hygiene and financial inclusion among market women with the support of private partners.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu further revealed that to commemorate COWLSO’s 25-year journey, members were grouped into five distinct eras, Johnson, Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu to celebrate the evolution of the organisation and strengthen the bond among members.
“Together, we have kept the flame burning for 25 years, and together, we will pass on an even brighter torch to the next generation,” she declared.