COWLSO Conference: Sanwo-Olu Calls on Women to Build Lasting Legacies

Kehinde Adeleye

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged accomplished women to look beyond their individual achievements and create opportunities for younger generations through mentorship, empowerment and support.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday at the 26th Annual National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), stressing that every generation had a responsibility to leave a better society for those coming after it.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint,” the governor said people inherit both opportunities created by previous generations and challenges that remain unresolved.

“Each generation has a responsibility to leave something better for those coming after it,” he said.

He explained that the theme challenged participants to look beyond personal accomplishments and consider the examples they set, the opportunities they create and the legacies they leave behind.

Sanwo-Olu described the gathering as particularly significant for him and his wife, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as it marked the eighth and final edition of the conference they would host in their current capacities as governor and First Lady of Lagos State.

He expressed gratitude for the journey, commending his wife for the passion, dedication and compassion she had brought to her leadership of COWLSO.

The governor also appreciated those who had worked with her to organise the conference and other programmes of the organisation.

He noted that one of COWLSO’s greatest strengths was its ability to sustain its activities across successive administrations, describing the continuity as an important lesson for public service.

“Leadership is temporary, but the institutions we strengthen and the opportunities we create can endure long after our tenure,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said women’s economic participation remained essential to Lagos State’s development, citing initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support and investments in education and healthcare as efforts to expand opportunities for women and young people.

However, he acknowledged that more work remained to be done, stressing that the impact of government initiatives should be measured by the difference they made in people’s daily lives.

He challenged women who had attained positions of influence in business, the professions and public service to use their experience and networks to support younger women.

“How many younger women are you preparing for success? How many doors are you opening? How are you using your experience and influence to make the journey easier for those coming behind you?” he asked.

The governor said younger women should have access to greater opportunities than those available to previous generations, while girls growing up in Lagos communities should be able to pursue their ambitions without being held back by circumstances beyond their control.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively towards building a society in which women and girls could fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to development.