New House and Car Owners Emerge as 23rd COWLSO Conference Ends in Lagos

The 23rd National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), ends on Thursday with a woman, Mrs. Adu Oluwatoyin, becoming the owner of new a 3-bedroom apartment in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State, while another woman, Mrs. Ibitoye Kudirat, won a brand-new GAC saloon car owner in the Raffle Draw section of the Conference, among other star prize winners.

Aside from the above winners, two other participants at the Conference won travel tickets worth N1.5Million and N2.5Million respectively, in addition to other winners of different household items.

Meanwhile, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said women played a pivotal role in the society, as the bedrock of families, the backbone of communities, and the driving force behind Nigeria’s progress.

Governor Mohammed stated this in a message to the closing ceremony of the twenty-third National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Jatau, who delivered the governor’s message said, “We have come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. Gender inequality remains a pressing issue, hindering us as a nation. We must confront the barriers that exist and ensure equal opportunities for our women in all facets of life be it education, healthcare, politics, or – the Civil Service. Only then can we truly harness the immense potential that lies within our women and create a more inclusive society.

“Prompt action is required to eliminate the various obstacles that women face. We must make quality education accessible and affordable to every girl child, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in any field they choose. By investing in education, we empower women to become leaders, visionaries, and catalysts of change,” he said

Alhaji Jatau added that government has “a responsibility to create an enabling environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fosters economic empowerment for women. Access to capital, business training, and mentorship programmes are essential in supporting women owned businesses and facilitating their growth. By doing so, we are not only empowering women economically but also driven economic development and poverty alleviation within our States.”

In a remark, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the twenty-third National Women’s Conference of COWLSO had been a remarkable journey of transformation, inspiration and collaboration.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said this at the closing ceremony on Victoria Island.

Mrs Salu-Hundeyin said the conference was a call to action for all to make a difference in all ramifications, congratulating award recipients for their immense contributions to nation building.

The COWLSO’s Chairman and Wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stressed the need for participants to break new grounds, as the conference had been life-transforming experience for all.

While reading the communiqué, Mrs Jumoke Mustapha, said speakers at the conference called for the need to invest in youths, advised women to have health insurance to reduce out of pocket expenditure, and avoid indulgence in smoking and drinking, amongst other resolutions.