… Governors of Osun, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Among Special Guests
As the much anticipated 2024 edition of the annual National Women Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO kicks off next week Tuesday, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that the hybrid event will feature both physical and virtual participation, expecting to draw 4,500 participants from across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that at least one Governor each from the South-West, North-Central, and South-South regions of Nigeria will be in attendance at the two-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the First Lady, the host Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be present at both the opening and closing sessions of the conference with some top state government officials, while the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, is expected to grace the opening ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour.
In addition, Dr. Sanwo-Olu informed that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State had been invited to attend the Gala Night on the second day, while Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will serve as the Special Guest at the closing ceremony of the Conference.
The Governor’s wife emphasised that this year’s conference theme, “Soar Beyond Boundaries… Enrich Communities”, was thoughtfully chosen to inspire meaningful discussions aimed at empowering women to overcome barriers and make significant contributions to their communities.
She added that the event will explore critical topics such as gender stereotypes, women’s health, political participation, climate change and food security.
Other discussions at the conference, according to the Chairman of COWLSO, will focus on communicable disease prevention, smart garden farming, emotional intelligence for the boy-child, and the role of women in advancing political participation.
Apart from the plenary sessions that would be led by seasoned facilitators, Dr. Sanwo-Olu informed that the conference will honour a distinguished woman with the “Inspirational Woman of the Year” award for her outstanding contributions to society.
The First Lady said COWLSO will also host virtual and physical markets during the conference, providing participants the opportunity to purchase household items at discounted rates.
She assured participants that the Gala Night would be a memorable experience, featuring entertainment, exciting raffle draws, prizes, and scintillating musical performances.
As part of the pre-conference activities, the Governor’s wife encouraged women to join the awareness walk, themed: “Women Rising Together”, scheduled to hold in Badagry on September 2, 2024.
The First Lady appreciated the dedication of the conference planning committee, chaired by Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, urging the media to continue spreading awareness of the conference’s positive impact on women across Nigeria.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Chairperson, NWC Planning Committee, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye averred that this year’s conference is aimed at sharing ideas and discussing topical issues to drive needful change for the society like previous editions.
Prof. Adeyeye while seeking the support of the media in publicising all activities of the conference, implored women across the country to continue to break barriers and foster inclusivity.
The Pre-Event Press Conference for the National Women’s Conference had the attendance of the Vice Chairman, COWLSO, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, NWC Planning Committee, COWLSO members and gentlemen of the press.
