Members of the Forum of Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO, today join their counterparts across Nigeria to attend the ongoing 19th National Women Conference in Lagos.

The FOWOSO team was led by Dr. (Mrs) Wunmi Ilawole who represented the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

The 19th National women conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, with the theme, ” Unlearn, Learn, and Relearn: 21st Century Women’s Perspectives/Approach”, was held at the Eko hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos with delegates from across the 36 states of the country.

In her address, wife of the Nigerian President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari noted that one of the tenets of COWLSO is restoration of value, and charged them to contribute their quotas to the realization of a better Nigeria.

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the Nigerian First Lady reminded the women that it is a privilege for them to be wives of government’s officials, hence, the reason they should utilise the opportunity to transform lives positively.


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila affirmed that women were born to influence the society, noting that education is the best way to empower them.


Mrs. Sanwo-Olu exchanging pleasantries with FOWOSO members.
According to him, women’s issue goes beyond political empowerment being necessary partners in nation building and integral part of the success of any nation.

Gbajabiamila therefore assured of the readiness of the ninth Assembly to amend certain constitutional impediments to the realisation of the 30% affirmation.

The host governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for women to learn new knowledge that would enable them develop the society, and eradicate old ways of thinking that are not compatible with the 21st century approach.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Convener of the conference and wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu had stated that COWLSO, which was founded in 1974 was aimed at complementing the developmental efforts of Lagos State government.

According to her, COWLSO is committed to positively impact humanity and add value to the lives of women and children.

Also speaking, governor Dapo Abiodun of Lagos State stated that to hold a woman back is to hold a society back, noting that no democratic government should allow such.

Other dignitaries at the event were wife of the All Progressives Congress national leader, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, host deputy governor, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Ogun State former Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdurasak, among others.

Others were, wives of the Edo State governor, Betsy Obaseki, Ekiti State Governor, Bisi Fayemi, Nasarawa state, Zainab Haruna, Ogun State, Mrs. Abiodun, and Osun State, Kafayat Oyetola.