Retiring Lagos Teacher Wins Three-Bedroom Apartment at COWLSO Conference
Retiring Lagos Teacher Wins Three-Bedroom Apartment at COWLSO Conference
A retiring Lagos State teacher, Mrs. Francisca Olaitan Lawal, has won a three-bedroom apartment at the 26th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), offering her a potentially life-changing reward as she prepares to leave the teaching profession.
Lawal, a Grade Level 17 officer in the Lagos State public service, emerged as the winner of the star prize during the gala night raffle draw at the three-day conference held from October 26 to 28, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The apartment was provided courtesy of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Her win was one of the major highlights of the conference, which also saw Mary Odofin, a Level 9 officer with Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), emerge winner of a brand-new sports utility vehicle (SUV).
Several other participants also won gift items, including shopping vouchers and return flight tickets to Ghana and London.
For Lawal, the apartment represents the standout prize of the conference, placing her among the two major winners whose fortunes changed during the closing celebrations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged COWLSO to ensure that its contributions to the development of Lagos State continued beyond his administration.
He said the organisation must translate the recommendations generated at its annual conferences into practical programmes capable of improving the lives of residents.
“You must preserve the legacy of service while translating the resolutions of your annual conferences into practical programmes that improve the lives of residents,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu commended COWLSO for its interventions in education, healthcare and support for vulnerable groups, including widows, children, elderly people and other residents in need.
He noted that funds generated through the organisation’s activities had supported medical outreaches, school projects and other community development initiatives.
The governor also called for proper documentation of the conference recommendations to guide future administrations and ensure that valuable ideas generated at the annual gathering were not lost.
He stressed that the impact of the conference should be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of Lagos residents rather than discussions and networking alone.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the success of the conference would ultimately depend on how participants applied the lessons learned to their communities.
She urged women to move beyond drawing inspiration from others and become examples themselves through compassion, service and practical support for people in need.
The First Lady also appreciated the governor for recognising COWLSO’s contributions during the gala night, describing the gesture as an encouragement to members to sustain their interventions in support of women, children and families.
She congratulated those recognised for their contributions to society, noting that genuine impact should be measured by the lives touched rather than titles or positions held.
As the conference ended, she encouraged participants to sustain the spirit of sisterhood, support one another and create opportunities for younger generations.
Also speaking, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, said being a role model required purpose, integrity, excellence and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of others.
She urged women to remain united and peaceful while contributing to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Quoting American poet Maya Angelou, Hamzat said, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within,” encouraging women to use their experiences and achievements to inspire the next generation.
