Uzodinma, Aliyu, Others to Grace Lagos National Women’s Conference 2025 …As COWLSO Marks 25 Years of Empowering Wome

 

L-R Wife of the Head of Service, Mrs. Oyinlola Agoro, Wife of the Deputy Governor and Vice  Chairman COWLSO, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, First Lady and Chairman COWLSO, Dr. Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Chairperson 2025 NWC Planning Committee, Dr. Mrs Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Secretary 2025 NWC, Dr. Mrs Kehinde Ajala, Asst Secretary NWC 2025, Mrs. Saliu

By Kayode Olopade 

Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State are among the over 5,000 eminent Nigerians expected to attend the 2025 edition of the National Women’s Conference (NWC) organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), scheduled to hold in Lagos later this month.

The landmark 25th edition of the annual conference, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” will take place from Monday, October 28 to Wednesday, October 30, 2025, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at a pre-event press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described this year’s conference as a historic milestone, celebrating a quarter-century of women’s empowerment, leadership, and service to humanity.

“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 across Nigeria,”Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said.

“Each edition has been a bold statement of purpose, addressing topical issues that touch the lives of women, their families, and communities — thereby contributing meaningfully to governance and social progress.”

Governor Uzodinma will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony, while Governor Aliyu is billed to grace the closing ceremony as Special Guest on the final day.

According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, this year’s event will host 3,000 physical participants and about 2,000 virtual attendees drawn from across Nigeria and beyond, including professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, civil society advocates, and homemakers.

“The theme equally challenges us to look back with gratitude, celebrate the legacies we have built, and look forward with hope as we pass the torch to the next generation of women leaders, builders, and change-makers,” she noted.

“The presence of distinguished personalities, including governors from other states, underscores COWLSO’s national influence and its role as a catalyst for women’s development across the federation.”

As part of pre-conference activities, COWLSO will embark on its annual Pre-Conference Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Ikorodu. Themed “Step Up, Show Up, Never Give Up,” the awareness walk aims to mobilize women and raise public consciousness on resilience, health, and community engagement.

Other activities lined up ahead of the main event include free health screenings, environmental sanitation exercises, empowerment of vulnerable persons, and visits to orphanages and care homes, reflecting the committee’s enduring compassion and commitment to social responsibility.

In line with tradition, this year’s conference will also feature both Physical and Virtual COWLSO Markets, where participants can purchase quality goods and services at subsidized rates from accredited vendors.

One of the highlights will be the Gala Night on the second day, a vibrant evening of entertainment, cultural showcases, and raffle draws designed to promote fellowship and celebrate womanhood.

For wider participation, the entire conference will be live-streamed across the Lagos State Government’s social media platforms, ensuring that audiences at home and abroad can join in the celebration of women’s achievements.

The Chairperson of the 2025 Conference, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, assured that the Silver Jubilee edition will surpass expectations.

“Over the years, our National Women’s Conferences have continued to receive outstanding feedback for their organization and impact,” she said.

“The 25th Anniversary Edition promises to be fun-filled, intellectually stimulating, and deeply inspiring, with thought-provoking sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, marriage, career growth, and personal development.”

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that the theme encapsulates COWLSO’s enduring mission to nurture a new generation of women leaders who will drive purpose, progress, and positive change across Nigeria.