COWLSO 2026: Lagos First Lady charges women to be role models

The First Lady of Lagos state, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has challenged women to use their influence, opportunities and leadership positions to create lasting impact in their families, workplaces and communities.

She said this on Thursday at a pre-event press conference for the 26th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

The press conference was attended by the vice chairperson of COWLSO, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, alongside several other women leaders and members of the committee.

Dr Sanwo-Olu said the 2026 conference, themed “Anchored for Purpose, Be the Blueprint,” would provide women with opportunities for learning, empowerment, networking and meaningful conversations on issues affecting women, families and communities.

She said the conference, which is the eighth edition under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would hold from October 26 to 28 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos just as she disclosed that Delta state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji had been invited as special guests of honour for the opening and closing ceremonies respectively.

According to her, the three-day event will be held in a hybrid format, with physical participation costing 150,000 naira and virtual participation 50,000 naira.

She said the conference would bring together government officials, policymakers, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, development practitioners, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, young women and other stakeholders.

As part of activities leading to the conference, Dr Sanwo-Olu announced a pre-conference walk, “Blueprint in Motion: From Vision to Action,” which will take participants through notable locations on Lagos Island, including Tafawa Balewa Square, the National Museum, Central Mosque, J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Tinubu Square and the palace of the Oba of Lagos.