Wike, Zulum, Ganduje, Aisha Buhari, listed to guest 2022 COWLSO’s Women Conference
By Moses Adeniyi
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari have been listed as “Special Guests of Honour” for the 2022 National Women’s Conference (NWC) organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWSLO).
The Conference slated for 18th – 20th October, is the 22nd edition, slated to address subjects bordering on health, parenting, insecurity, civic responsibility, smart investment, roles of women in education development and exploring technology, among others.
Speaking at the State House, Ikeja, in a briefing on Thursday to disclose the plans and activities slated for the 22nd NWC, the Chairperson, COWSLO and Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said this year’s conference themed “Spring Forth, Stand Out” was in furtherance of the 2021 edition which was themed “Awake”.
According to her, while “Mother of the Nation and Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari will serve as the Mother of the day and would declare the Conference open”, “Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony.”
“Special Guest of Honour for the Gala Night is His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; while our Special Guest of Honour at the Closing Ceremony, is His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State,” she disclosed.
According to her, attendance for the Conference will be hybrid, recording a combination of virtual and physical participation, and will hold from Tuesday, 18th October to Thursday, 20th October 2022.
On the theme of the 22nd Conference, the First Lady said this year’s theme is meant to build-up on the 2021 theme – “Awake”.
“The COWLSO NWC, as we know, has earned a remarkable reputation and assumed the status of a purpose-driven international conference through which women are positively galvanized.
“I am, therefore, excited to announce that all is set for the 22nd NWC of COWLSO.
“In 2019 when we came on board, our theme was: UNLEARN, LEARN AND RELEARN: 21ST CENTURY WOMEN’S T.H.E.M.E.S PERSPECTIVES/APPROACH. In 2020, we discussed EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES IN A NEW WORLD. In 2021, our theme was AWAKE!, while this year, our theme is: Spring Forth, Stand Out,” she said.
“Haven extensively dealt with issues around awakening last year, what naturally follows an awakening is to emerge into something more beautiful and into something better.
“You emerge into a better version of yourself and keep pushing forward to make a positive difference. This is the reasoning behind this year’s theme.
“Aside from the main theme: our team of seasoned facilitators and panelists will extensively discuss the following topics at the Conference: “Our Health: A Challenge and a call to reference; Mastering Performance Parenting in a Gen-z World; Insecurity: A threat to National Development; My Civic Responsibility: My Power.
“Smart Investment Options for the Forward Thinking Woman; Roles of women in Educational Development in Nigeria; Overcoming Adversity with Confidence; and Utilizing Technology to Manage Business and Market Changes.Among other topics,” she said.
On preparations for the Conference, she said: “We have made adequate preparations to ensure that we have more plenary sessions this year to extensively deliberate on the highlighted topics and associated issues, while on Day 3 of the Conference, there will be a Recap and Communiqué to state the position of COWLSO on the Conference and developments in the nation, particularly as regarding women and children,” she disclosed.
Also part of the activities lined out for the Conference, according to her, include honour of Inspirational Women of the Year and the Inspirational Youths of the Year; Virtual and Physical Markets through which participants will have the opportunity to visit and buy various items; Gala Night.
According to her, while 48 vendors were featured for the physical market, last year, “this year, we are expanding the number to 78; while there will also be more service vendors from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government and other organisations. This is with the view to ensuring access to critical information about their services,” she said.
Also part of the activities, she disclosed that members of the Group would on Saturday embark on an Awareness Walk, with the theme: “Spring Forth, Stand Out: The Time Is Now!”
Chairperson of the 2022 NWC Planning Committe, Mrs. Nkem Sofela, said the committe has worked “round the clock to ensure the Conference is not only successful, but also impactful.”
“We are ready to host a remarkable conference,” she said, appreciating the members of the Committee for their support and contribution.
In her remarks, wife of Lagos State Deputy Governor and Vice Chairperson of COWLSO, Oluremi Hamzat, appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet members for the support towards the group.
According to her, the conference would be “distinct, presenting women with various opportunities to spring forth and stand out in every area of their endeavours.”
COWLSO is a community-based gender organisation established primarily to complement the efforts of spouses of members of the group in government in bringing about exponential development and growth and generally improving the welfare of Lagosians.
