Sanwo-Olu urges COWLSO to turn conference recommendations into action
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to translate recommendations from its annual National Women’s Conference into practical actions that will improve lives and promote sustainable development.
He made the call at the closing ceremony of the 26th National Women’s Conference in Lagos, where he commended the organisation for its contributions to community development, particularly its interventions for vulnerable residents, widows, orphans and older people.
Sanwo-Olu said funds generated through registration fees and other contributions had supported medical screenings, school construction, homes for older people and other initiatives for disadvantaged groups across the state.
He also praised COWLSO’s leadership for its responsible management of resources and urged the organisation to document conference recommendations properly to enable relevant government agencies and successive administrations to consider and implement them.
The governor thanked sponsors, development partners, government officials and participants from other states for supporting the initiative, adding that COWLSO’s achievements should be sustained for future generations, as the 2026 edition marked his final appearance at the conference as governor.
In her closing remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State and COWLSO Chairperson, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged participants to apply the lessons and connections gained at the conference to improve the lives of women, children and families, particularly by removing barriers facing persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She highlighted the organisation’s interventions for about 100 vulnerable people and older residents, including approximately 50 elderly beneficiaries who received ₦200,000 each, while Mary Odofin, an employee of the Lagos State Ferry Service, won a sport utility vehicle and Francisco Olayinka Lawal, a teacher with more than 33 years of public service, won a three-bedroom apartment at Abraham Adesanya Estate.
The conference, held under the theme “Anchored for Purpose: Be the Blueprint,” encouraged women to use their influence and opportunities to create positive change, with the First Lady urging participants to mentor younger women, support struggling families, promote inclusion and create opportunities for others.
