…as 4,500 participants deliberate on breaking boundaries

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule are expected among other dignitaries to participate in the National conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, aimed to address various challenges facing women in the country.

At least 4,500 women are expected to participate in the hybrid conference which will be a combination of virtual and physical participation, slated for Tuesday, September 10, Wednesday to 11, 2024 in Victoria Island, Lagos.

COWLSO chairperson, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor, disclosed this on Monday during a pre-event media briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

As part of activities lined up for the programme, the Governor Eno and Sule will be Special Guests of Honour for the opening and closing ceremonies respectfully, while Adeleke, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the Gala Night.

The 24th National Women’s Conference has the theme: “SOAR BEYOND BOUNDARIES…Enrich Communities.”

Also there will be an Awareness Walk with the theme: “WOMEN RISING TOGETHER” and the walk will be taking place in Badagry on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said, “It is pertinent to note that the annual conference which has been consistent, inspiring and improved upon over the years has earned a remarkable reputation and assumed the status of a purpose-driven conference through which lives of thousands of women are positively impacted.

“The objective of the conference has not changed. NWC is to frontally address various challenges facing women, empowering and supporting them in becoming independent and realizing their full potentials as this will further influence their lives, families, communities and our nation as a whole.

According to her, the theme “is apt and aims at encouraging women to be self-confident in breaking boundaries in any chosen field.

“Women, globally are challenging the status quo by contributing immensely to the changing work environment and influencing the world positively.”

She noted that in the last five years, COWLSO had dealt extensively with themes that had assisted women to transform from who they were, to better and more productive individuals in society.

For the 24th edition, aside from the main theme, there will be other insightful and educative sessions, handled by seasoned facilitators and panelists on relevant topics, trending issues and current realities.

“As usual, I can assure interested participants that this year’s edition of the conference promises to be a life-changing experience as we will ensure that everyone is carried along in our collective vision of pushing boundaries forward for our women,” she added.

There would be live streaming of the Conference as well, to give viewing opportunities to the general public on www.lagosonline.tv and www.COWLSO.org.ng, among others.

In recognition of certain individuals for their uniqueness and great interventions in society, there will be the presentation of the inspirational Woman of the Year.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu further disclosed, “For this year, we are expecting up to 3000 participants physically and 1500 virtually from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government, other State Government delegates, political groups, civil society, and other organizations.

“To spice up this annual conference is the anticipated Gala Night loaded with maximum entertainment and raffle draws that will bring about exciting prizes for lucky participants. Over the years COWLSO has made new home-owners, car-owners, given traveling opportunities to many as well as given lots of mouthwatering gifts to hundreds of participants.”