The Dazzling Gala Night at Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island wasn’t just about glitz and music; it was a moment many attendees will carry in their hearts for years to come. The 25th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) drew to a colorful close on Thursday, leaving behind a trail of gratitude, inspiration, and a few life-changing prizes.
The air buzzed with anticipation as lucky participants stepped forward to claim prizes that felt almost miraculous: a brand-new GAC pickup truck, a new home, and a ₦20 million cash prize among others. But the highlight of the week wasn’t merely the prizes; it was the sense of community, the shared stories, and the unspoken vow to turn conversation into action.
The most talked-about moment came on Wednesday during the high-stakes Gala Night when Mrs. Florence Obayomi-Davies, a staff member at LASUTH, stood beside the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and heard the words that would redefine her life. The ₦20 million prize was awarded to her, a moment that drew cheers and tears in equal measure. “We celebrate your resilience and dedication,” the Governor told the room, his words carrying a tone of admiration that seemed to echo beyond the ballroom.
Among the other prize winners, longtime public sector veteran Mrs. Olusola Oduguwa—retired Permanent Secretary and pensioner—became the proud owner of a brand-new home. Ms. Thelma Abidemi Madume, a staffer at Coker Aguda LCDA, drove away in a gleaming new GAC pickup truck, a tangible symbol of recognition for public service. The crowd clapped and roared with pride as each winner accepted congratulatory hugs and the ceremonial keys.
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Travel rewards added to the warmth of the evening. Mrs. Adekemi Folorunsho and Mrs. Ayisat Yebode each earned return tickets to Ghana, while Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bolanle Falade received a ticket to London. The room felt less like an auditorium and more like a sanctuary where dreams, long tucked away, could finally take flight.
As the 25th Annual National Women’s Conference drew to a grand close the next day, Governor Sanwo-Olu offered a meditation on the event’s enduring mission. He praised COWLSO for its “legacy of empowering women, transforming families, and inspiring generations,” and framed the milestone as a renewal of a larger movement. “Over the past few days, we have not only celebrated a legacy, we have renewed a movement,” he said. “We have reflected on twenty-five years of purpose, passion, and progress. Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this legacy forward.”
Sanwo-Olu didn’t miss the chance to spotlight leadership that had shaped COWLSO. He lauded the rebirth of the organization under the visionary leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who rejuvenated the group during her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State, and he commended the current Chairperson, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for sustaining and expanding its impact. “What began as a gathering of women with shared values has become a force that uplifts families, transforms communities, and shapes policy conversations across Nigeria,” he observed.
In his closing remarks, the Governor urged the women to carry the spirit of COWLSO back to their communities. “The next 25 years will depend on how boldly we continue to mentor, to serve, and to lead,” he added. He expressed confidence that the organization’s legacy of compassion, courage, and collaboration would continue to shine for generations to come.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who also serves as Chairperson of COWLSO, spoke with warmth and gratitude. Reflecting on the Silver Jubilee edition, she called it “a true celebration of women’s strength, brilliance, and resilience.” She said the conference had given participants “valuable insights and renewed purpose to drive change in their homes, workplaces, and communities,” and emphasized that when women unite, “the results are always inspiring.”
The First Lady also thanked the guests who graced the event, with special mention of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who joined virtually for the opening ceremony with a message of goodwill. Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the Conference Planning Committee led by Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu for delivering a landmark edition, and extended appreciation to all COWLSO members, development partners, sponsors, and the media.
With a call to action that gave the week its practical promise, Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged participants to carry the conference’s spirit into daily life—mentoring others, serving with compassion, and leading with courage. “Let us go forth as ambassadors of COWLSO’s Visionary Legacy, inspiring others and transforming our communities in ways that truly reflect the spirit of this Silver Jubilee,” she urged.
The Gala Night had closed with music, dance, laughter, and sisterhood, but the real celebration was in the stories, the renewed commitments, and the sense that women across Lagos State were ready to turn vision into action.
In a final moment of gratitude, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, on behalf of COWLSO, thanked all who contributed to the success of the landmark edition. She reminded attendees that the conference’s success depended on faith, community, and God’s guidance: “We thank God for the smooth and impactful hosting of the conference, themed ‘25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation.’” She urged participants to uphold the theme by continuing to build stronger, healthier communities for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.