…Hybrid Conference scheduled for October 26–28, says Lagos First Lady
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his counterparts from Delta and Ekiti States, His Excellencies Sheriff Oborevwori and Biodun Oyebanji, are expected to lead other important dignitaries for the 26th edition of the annual National Women Conference, NWC of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), scheduled to hold from October 26 to 28, 2026.
The three-day Conference which is the 8th and final edition for the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu will take place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island , Lagos.
The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made this known on Thursday while briefing journalists ahead of the conference, with the theme, “Anchored for Purpose: Be the Blueprint.”
She stated that the presence and participation of the three governors, alongside other distinguished personalities expected at the conference, would further strengthen the platform’s national reach and its conversations around women’s development and advancement.
According to the First Lady, the conference will be held in a hybrid format, allowing a limited number of participants to attend physically while also providing platform for unlimited virtual participation for interested women to connect, learn, share experiences and translate ideas into meaningful action.
She announced that the 26th National Women Conference of COWLSO will focus on purposeful leadership, meaningful contributions and the responsibility of women to leave positive footprints in their families, workplaces and communities.
According to the First Lady, the conference has evolved over the years into a platform for learning, empowerment, networking, reflection and meaningful conversations on issues affecting women, families and communities.
She explained that the theme, “Anchored for Purpose: Be the Blueprint,” challenges women to look beyond personal accomplishments and reflect on the footprints they are leaving behind.
She said the theme was a call for women to live purposefully, make meaningful contributions and ensure that their presence creates value that can positively influence others and endure beyond their immediate generation.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu announced that the conference physical participation for the conference comes at a fee of ₦150,000, for a maximum of 3,000 participants, while virtual participation pegged at ₦50,000, has unlimited number of interested attendees.
She disclosed that registration already commenced since September 15 and will close on October 15, 2026, adding that late registration for physical participation will commence on October 24 and attract an additional fee of ₦15,000.
The First Lady noted that, owing to limited physical capacity, only five participants are expected from each Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA), while the virtual platform would remain open to unlimited participation.
The First Lady also unveiled a series of activities designed to extend the message of the conference beyond the conventional conference setting.
One of the major activities is the Pre-Conference Walk, themed “Blueprint in Motion: From Vision to Action,” slated for Saturday 10th October, 2026,
explaining that the walk would take participants through significant locations on Lagos Island, connecting the conference theme with the history, culture, institutions and development of Lagos.
“The Awareness Walk for the conference is part of efforts to take the message of the conference beyond the venue and create greater public awareness around the issues and conversations it seeks to advance.
“The route will include Tafawa Balewa Square, the National Museum, the Central Mosque, the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Tinubu Square, the MUSON Centre, Eko Atlantic, Water House, Kakawa, and the Palace of the Oba of Lagos”, the First Lady stated.
Another activity is the Fun Day, scheduled to hold immediately after the press conference, providing an opportunity for women to relax, connect, celebrate friendship and build relationships in an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship.
The three-day conference will feature an opening ceremony and keynote lectures on the first day, followed by further lectures and presentations on the second day, which will also feature the traditional COWLSO Gala Night.
The final day will feature the closing ceremony and reflection on the lessons, conversations and commitments emerging from the conference.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the conference is expected to attract women from different sectors and walks of life, including government officials, policymakers, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, development practitioners, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, young women, women’s groups and other stakeholders.
She noted that the conference would generate stories around women whose lives have been touched, ideas that would emerge from the various sessions, conversations around purpose and legacy, the cultural journey through Lagos Island, the awareness walk, networking opportunities and the experiences of women participating both physically and virtually.
She urged prospective participants to come prepared to learn, connect, reflect and act, stressing the need to move from vision to action, from intention to impact and from simply occupying spaces to leaving them better than they were found.
The First Lady expressed confidence that the 26th National Women Conference would provide another opportunity for women to reflect on their purpose, celebrate their journey and consider the footprints they are leaving for generations to come.
‘Anchored in Purpose,” says Sanwo-Olu
The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has unveiled plans for its 26th National Women’s Conference, themed “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint,” as part of efforts to inspire women to embrace purpose, leadership and positive impact in their homes, communities and society.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; highlighted the vision behind this year’s conference and unveiled the range of activities lined up to engage, empower and inspire participants.
The conference is designed to provide a platform for meaningful conversations, learning, networking and opportunities that will encourage women to become intentional about their purpose and recognize their capacity to serve as blueprints for positive change.
In her response to media questions, she believes she has fulfilled her mandate in capacity building of the women, and that counts as part of her success stories and ready to hand over the baton to the next chairperson.
The Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, also called on members of the media to give wide publicity and sustained coverage to the forthcoming 26th Annual Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), saying the media has a vital role to play in ensuring that the message and impact of the conference reach Lagosians and beyond.
She also commended the COWLSO National Working Committee, led by its Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu, for its dedication towards the forthcoming conference, while urging prospective delegates, vendors and participants to register and actively participate.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the 26th National Women’s Conference, Dr. Mrs. Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, appreciated the support of all her COWLSO sisters and looks forward to a beautiful conference, stating that the 26th National Women’s Conference will hold from Monday, October 26 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Share this content:
About The Author
