Uzodimma, Aliyu to grace COWLSO’s National Women’s Conference

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and his Sokoto State counterpart, Ahmad Aliyu, are among top dignitaries expected to attend the 25th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the landmark Silver Jubilee edition of the annual gathering.

According to her, Governor Uzodimma will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony, while Governor Aliyu will grace the Closing Ceremony on the final day of the event.

Sanwo-Olu described the presence of the two governors and other dignitaries as “symbolic of national unity and a testament to the growing recognition of COWLSO as a catalyst for women’s development across Nigeria.”

She announced that the 25th National Women’s Conference, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” will hold from Monday, 28th to Wednesday, 30th October 2025, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“For a quarter of a century, COWLSO has stood tall as a formidable platform committed to the advancement, empowerment, and transformation of women here in Lagos and across Nigeria,” she said.

“This year’s theme captures the spirit of reflection, renewal, and responsibility — a moment to celebrate the legacies we have built and to pass the torch to the next generation of women leaders, builders, and change-makers,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the 2025 edition will attract 3,000 physical participants and about 2,000 virtual attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, including professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, civil society advocates, and homemakers.

As part of pre-conference activities, she said COWLSO had embarked on several humanitarian projects, including free health screenings, environmental sanitation, empowerment of vulnerable persons, and visits to orphanages and care homes.

She added that members of the committee would on Saturday, 11th October 2025, embark on the annual Pre-Conference Awareness Walk in Ikorodu, themed “Step Up, Show Up, Never Give Up.”

“This symbolic walk serves to sensitise Lagosians about the forthcoming conference and to amplify our shared call for unity, empowerment, and purposeful living among women,” she said.

The First Lady outlined that the three-day conference will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, and interactive discussions on diverse topics including “Practical Apps for Easier Daily Living, Business Support, and Improved Productivity” and “Women Championing Traffic Discipline through Smarter Transportation Systems.”

Day Two will focus on “Women as Change-Makers: Combating Trafficking, Organ Harvesting, and Unsafe Practices,” chaired by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other leading advocates, while another session tagged “Celebrating Legacy: Harnessing Leadership Insights for the Next Generation” will feature past and present Lagos First Ladies and COWLSO Chairpersons.

On the final day, discussions will centre on “Women as Partners in Ensuring Safe and Secure Communities” and “Celebrating 25 Years of Women-Led Entrepreneurship—Past, Present, and Future,” featuring notable speakers such as Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Mrs. Bella Disu, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, with Mrs. Kafilat Araoye as Chairperson.

The event will also feature the COWLSO Physical and Virtual Markets, where participants can access quality goods at subsidised prices, and a Gala Night on the second day with entertainment, cultural displays, and raffle draws.

“For inclusivity, the entire conference will be livestreamed on Lagos State Government’s social media platforms to ensure that women everywhere can participate,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu praised the 2025 Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Dr. Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu, for their “hard work, creativity, and dedication in curating this landmark edition,” and expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors, and the media for their continuous support.

“As we count down to October 28th, I invite all women to be part of this historic moment, a celebration of 25 years of purpose, passion, and progress,” she said.