Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu urge women to keep nurturing families, building strong communities

By Lukman Olabiyi and Oyinlola Arolawun

First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have called on women to remain committed to nurturing families and building stronger communities for national development.

They made the call at the 25th National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held in Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his address, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in governance, noting that women play a vital role in nation-building.

He said the theme of this year’s conference, “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” serves as a reminder that legacy is not only about the past but also about shaping the future.

“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“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,” he added.

The governor urged participants to use the conference as a platform to strengthen leadership, promote inclusivity, and ensure women remain central to development and progress.

Joining the conference virtually, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, encouraged women to continue nurturing families and strengthening communities across Lagos and the nation.

“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,” she said.

Earlier, the wife of the Lagos State Governor and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the conference theme as timely and inspiring.

According to her, “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.”

She noted that over the past 25 years, COWLSO has remained a formidable platform for empowering women, promoting family values, and supporting government initiatives through 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 change in society,” she said.