Sanwo-Olu urges greater inclusivity, says Women must stay central to Nation Building

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of women in driving national development, stressing that inclusive governance must keep women at the heart of decision-making.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 25th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu described the milestone as a celebration of compassion, collaboration, and continuity.

He said COWLSO’s enduring influence lies not only in its impactful programmes but also in the values it represents.

“The women who began this journey have handed down a vision that continues to inspire new leaders, innovators, and change agents,” the governor noted.

Sanwo-Olu urged women to see legacy as a bridge to the future, not the past, emphasising that inspiring the next generation means modelling excellence, integrity, and resilience.

“We must empower our daughters and young women to believe that no dream is too distant, no height too high, and no boundary too strong to break,” he said.

The governor added that COWLSO’s next chapter would be defined by collective efforts to nurture leadership, promote inclusivity, and sustain women’s central role in development and progress.

Joining the conference virtually, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended COWLSO for its 25 years of transformative impact on families, communities, and women across Lagos State and beyond. She paid tribute to the group’s founder, late Mrs. Olufunmilayo Omobolaji Johnson, wife of Lagos State’s first military governor, describing her as a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire.

Tinubu said COWLSO’s influence has transcended Lagos, motivating women nationwide to embrace leadership, service, and empowerment. “We cannot celebrate 25 years of COWLSO without honouring our past,” she said. “Mrs. Johnson gave us the wings to fly, and her vision has blossomed into a powerful movement for social transformation.”

In her remarks, COWLSO Chairperson, Mrs. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, said the silver jubilee theme was deliberately chosen to reflect on the committee’s journey of resilience and impact over the last quarter-century.

She noted that COWLSO has evolved into a formidable platform for empowering women and supporting government initiatives through strategic programmes in healthcare, education, youth development, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.

“This 25th anniversary is not only a celebration of our achievements but a call to action,” she stated.

“The true measure of legacy lies in how we prepare the next generation of women leaders, professionals, and change-makers to do even greater things.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu added that this year’s conference sessions were designed to address key contemporary issues-from leadership and governance to health, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, climate change, and family well-being, to further strengthen women’s capacity for leadership and service.