Governors Eno, Adeleke, Sule To Attend COWLSO 2024 National Women’s Conference

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE

LAGOS, Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, will headline the forthcoming 24th National Women’s Conference scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 10th to Wednesday, 11th September, 2024, at The Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at 9am daily.

Lagos State First Lady and Chairman Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made the disclosure on Monday, September 2, at a press briefing held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, to unveil activities and programmes lined up for the forthcoming 24th National Women’s Conference (NWC).

The hybrid conference, which will be a combination of virtual and physical participation, has as its theme: “Soar Beyond Boundaries…Enrich Communities”.

According to the Lagos First Lady, “For this year’s NWC, we have made adequate preparations to ensure that intensive plenary sessions are done to extensively deliberate on the highlighted topics and associated issues. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad to announce that we have invited His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom to be our Special Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony.

“In the same vein, His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State will be our Special Guest of Honour at the Gala Night. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, for the closing ceremony, we will be hosting the Governor of Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule as our Special Guest of Honour.”

She says the presence of these governors from different states across the country would further add colour and glamour to the Conference.

Continuing, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said, “It is pertinent to note that the annual conference, which has been consistent, inspiring and improved upon over the years, has earned a remarkable reputation and assumed the status of a purpose-driven conference – through which lives of thousands of women are positively impacted.” 

She stressed that the objective of the conference has not changed.

“NWC is to frontally address various challenges facing women, empowering and supporting them in becoming independent and realising their full potentials as this will further influence their lives, families, communities and our nation as a whole.”

She added that it was in continuation of COWLSO’s determination to always bring the best out of women and create a virtuous circle of excellence that the theme for the 24th edition ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…Enrich Communities’, was coined. 

Sanwo-Olu added that this year’s theme is apt and aims at encouraging women to be self-confident in breaking boundaries in any chosen field.

“Women, globally are challenging the  status quo by contributing immensely to the changing work environment and influencing the world positively. In the last five years, through this gathering, COWLSO has dealt extensively with themes that have assisted women to transform from who they were, to better and more productive individuals in the society. 

“Aside from the main theme, there will be other insightful and educative sessions, handled by seasoned facilitators and panelists on relevant topics, trending issues and current realities.”

The highpoint of this year’s NWC, will be the presentation of the Inspirational Woman of the Year.

This is done annually to recognise certain individuals for their uniqueness and great interventions in society.

The recipient for this year’s edition will be revealed during the main conference.

Other deserving corporate organisations and individuals too will be awarded for their contribution towards the development of COWLSO.

“Let me emphasise that we are open towards promoting various businesses as we will be having COWLSO Virtual and Physical Markets through which participants will have the opportunity to purchase various home use items at subsidised rates from accredited vendors.

“For this year, we are expecting up to 3000 participants physically and 1500 virtually from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), of the Lagos State Government, other State Government delegates, political groups, civil society, and other organisations.

Additionally, the COWLSO Chairman said, “To spice up this annual conference is the anticipated Gala Night loaded with maximum entertainment and raffle draws that will bring about exciting prizes for lucky participants. Over the years COWLSO has made new home-owners, car-owners, given traveling opportunities to many, as well as given lots of mouthwatering gifts to hundreds of participants.”

Some of the topics to be addressed at this year’s conference are: “Communicable Diseases (Spreadable): Recognition and Strategies for Prevention and Management Outbreak”; “Challenging Gender Stereotypes: The Role of Empathy and Emotional Intelligence of the Boy-Child”; “Smart Garden Farming: Pathway to Food Security”; “Climate Change and Women’s Health”Others include: “Advancing Women’s Political Participation: The Role of Legistion, Education and Mentorship”; “A Legacy of Compassion: Championing Transformative Social Welfare”; “Holistic Wellness: Nurturing Body and Mind” and “Entrepreneurial Mindset: Building multiple streams of income”.