Sanwo-Olu Says Women Must Remain At The Heart Of Nation Building

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday stressed the need to increase the number of women involved in the nation’s governance structure to ensure that they remain an integral part of the machinery of nation-building.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his goodwill message at the 25th National Women’s conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, said the theme of this year’s conference, “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” reminds everyone that legacy is not about the past but about the future.

He said, “As we reflect on this silver jubilee, we must appreciate that COWLSO’s enduring strength lies not only in its programmes but in the values it represents — compassion, collaboration, and continuity. The women who began this journey have handed down a vision that continues to inspire new leaders, innovators, and change agents.

“Inspiring the next generation” means more than mentorship; it means modelling excellence, integrity, and resilience. It means empowering our daughters and young women to believe that no dream is too distant, no height too high, and no boundary too strong to break. The future of Lagos — and indeed our nation — depends on how boldly we equip our women to lead with courage and conviction.’

“As we engage in the sessions and discussions over the next two days, let us remember that the next chapter of COWLSO’s story will not be written by history, but by the actions we take today — to nurture leadership, to promote inclusivity, and to ensure that women remain at the heart of development and progress.’’

In her terse remark, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who joined the conference online, stressed the need to continue nurturing families, strengthening communities across Lagos State, and inspiring a generation of women nationwide.

She said, “We cannot celebrate 25 years of COWLSO without honouring our past. We celebrate the legacy and vision of the founder of COWLSO, our mother, late Mrs Olufunmilayo Omobolaji Johnson, wife of the first military governor of Lagos State, who gave us the wings to fly.’’

Earlier, the wife of Lagos State Governor and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said, ’’ The theme of the conference was carefully chosen and is both timely and instructive, as it challenges us to reflect on the journey of the past two and a half decades, appreciate our collective achievements, and recommit ourselves to nurturing the next generation of women leaders, professionals, and changemakers.

“Over the past 25 years, COWLSO has remained a formidable platform for empowering women, promoting family values, and supporting government initiatives through carefully designed programmes in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.

“Through this annual conference, women from all walks of life have found a rallying point to exchange ideas, build networks, and sharpen their capacity to influence positive societal change.