Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged women to assume leadership roles in all spheres of society.
Sanwo-Olu provided the counsel at the 22nd National Women’s Conference in Lagos, which was sponsored by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and had as its theme, “Spring Forth, Stand Out.”
He advised them to develop into better versions of themselves, to keep breaking through boundaries and exploring new territory, and to do so because doing so would eventually enable them to assume their position among the decision-makers.
He claims that the annual National Women’s Conference’s success serves as an illustration of how someone with leadership and vision can bring about change and improve a system.
“This edition tagged ”Spring Forth, Stand Out” is a clarion call for women to reinvent themselves in the face of the ”new normal” that we find ourselves.
“The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic created a new way of life that called for ingenious solutions to ensure that every facet of life is sustained.
“I know that our women have risen to the occasion, but more is required from you.
“I must express how much I am proud of the achievements of COWLSO, especially in the way that they have stood by us and contributed to promoting the ideals and objectives of our administration.
“The various philanthropic and humanitarian activities of COWLSO in addition to their intervention in critical sectors such as health, education, environment, and youth development have continued to impact positively on the lives of Lagosians,” he said.
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who attended the event as the Special Guest of Honor, stated that women should not be viewed as second-class citizens.
According to Wike, women should be given the chance to use their gifts because they are crucial to any society’s progress.
He asserted that when women are empowered, Nigeria is more likely to see higher economic growth.
He believes Lagos State can teach us a lot, which is why he chose to attend the COWLSO meeting.”
Lagos is doing better than many states in Nigeria, because it has allowed women to participate in inheritance, politics, and governance.
”No society can progress with cultural practices that inhibit the growth of women,” he said.
Wike made a donation of N300 million to help COWLSO carry out its transformational programs and works.
The COWLSO Chairman, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated in her welcome speech that the organization was founded as a community-based gender organization primarily to support the work of the Lagos State Government.
According to Sanwo-Olu, COWLSO contributed to the citizens of Lagos experiencing exponential growth, development, and overall welfare improvement.
She claims that it serves as a platform for the wives of state government leaders to advocate for issues such as environmental protection, empowering women to find their latent talents, and promoting child healthcare and education.
“The rationale behind this year’s theme is that after our Awakening from last year, an interrogation of our next phase is necessary for evaluation and consolidation.
“An awakening implies enlightenment, vision or direction but we must now move from vision to visibility and then integrity tests.
“The slogan: no woman, no nation is no truer in these times than any other as the world is almost gender blind to solution providers.
“The world is in need of solutions, and as women, we owe it to ourselves to emerge into better versions of ourselves, as we spring forth and keep pushing forward to make a positive difference.”
