Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; his counterparts in Osun and Nasarawa, Ademola Adeleke and Abdullahi Sule, respectively will headline the forthcoming 24th National Women’s Conference, organized by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and scheduled to hold in Lagos.
Lagos State First Lady and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made this known on Monday at a press briefing held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, to unveil activities and programmes lined up for the event, saying that a total of 3000 participants were expected physically and 1500 virtually to grace the parley.
She said those being expected would be from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), of the Lagos State Government, other state government delegates, political groups, civil society, and other organisations.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the hybrid conference, which will be a combination of virtual and physical participation, themed: “Soar Beyond Boundaries…Enrich Communities,” will hold from Tuesday, 10th to Wednesday, 11th September, 2024, at The Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at 9am daily.
She disclosed that Governor Eno would be Special Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony, while Governor Adeleke of Osun State Governor would be Special Guest of Honour at the Gala Night, with Governor Sule of Nasarawa State would be Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, saying that the presence of these governors from different states across the country would further add colour and glamour to the Conference.
According to her, adequate preparations have been made to ensure that intensive plenary sessions are done to extensively deliberate on the highlighted topics and associated issues, including: “Challenging Gender Stereotypes: The Role of Empathy and Emotional Intelligence of the Boy-Child,” “Smart Garden Farming: Pathway to Food Security,” “Advancing Women’s Political Participation: The Role of Legistion, Education and Mentorship,” “A Legacy of Compassion: Championing Transformative Social Welfare,” among others.
“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.
“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 said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, Sanwo-Olu described it apt and aimed at encouraging women to be self-confident in breaking boundaries in any chosen field, saying that it was in continuation of COWLSO’s determination to always bring the best out of women and create a virtuous circle of excellence.
She further disclosed that highpoint of this year’s NWC, will be the presentation of the Inspirational Woman of the Year, saying that this is done annually to recognise certain individuals for their uniqueness and great interventions in society.
According to her, the recipient for this year’s edition will be revealed during the main conference, disclosing that other deserving corporate organisations and individuals too would 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.
“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, and car-owners, given traveling opportunities to many, as well as given lots of mouthwatering gifts to hundreds of participants,” the Lagos First Lady said.
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