Ayodele Olalere
Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr, (Mrs.) Aisha Buhari, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State are among the dignitaries expected to grace this year’s Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) annual conference.
While announcing programmes for this year’s event, on Thursday, at a media briefing held at State House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State First Lady and Chairman/Convener, COWLSO, Dr.(Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said this year’s annual event would be conducted virtually as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the change in this year’s programs compared with the past events.
She, however, pointed out that the annual event which usually attracts over 3,000 participants, would be be physically opened to only 200 participants, while other participants would be required to link up with the program virtually.
“I am pleased to announce to the general public that all is now set for the 20th Edition of the Annual National Women’s Conference (NWC) of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
“In line with safety protocols put in place to curb the spread of global Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s Conference will be held Virtually from Wednesday, 14th October to Thursday, 15th October, 2020.
“However, there will be minimal number of dignitaries, resource persons and participants at the physical venue at The Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from where activities of the Conference will be beamed live to the public.
“I must add that all relevant and necessary Covid-19 guidelines will be strictly adhered to at the physical venue, while only accredited individuals will gain access to the said physical venue,” she said.
According to her, the Committee recorded tremendous success following the last year’s event themed ‘Unlearn, Learn and Relearn: 21st Century Women’s T.H.E.M.E.S Perspectives/Approach’.
She added the last year event “Was in line with the policy thrust of the administration of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to equip participants with skills and information necessary to tap into the emerging opportunities in key sectors, and most importantly imbibe the time-tested virtue of accepting that learning is a never-ending process.”
While enumerating some of the benefits of this year’s edition would provide, she said participants would be “with the skills and information to cope and stay above board in these interesting times when the world is contending with unplanned, unanticipated and unprecedented health crisis in human existence – COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our theme this year is ‘Exploring the possibilities in a new world’. As it is the tradition of the Conference to strategically empower women to contribute positively to the development of the State and Nigeria at large, this year’s theme was carefully selected in line with the ‘New Normal’ that is now the order of the day.
COVID-19 has practically changed life as we used to know it. We now have the ‘New Normal’ and the ‘New Realities’ in all spheres of human endeavour, and as a proactive organisation, COWLSO is already thinking Post-COVID where women can explore possibilities in a new world and take good advantage of an unprecedented crisis.
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“It is pertinent to note that Her Excellency, Mother of the Nation and Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has graciously accepted to be the Mother of the day and would declare the Conference Open, while His Excellency, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun, is the Special Guest of Honour at the opening Ceremony.
“The theme of the Conference and Sub-themes will be examined by seasoned academics and accomplished professionals in various spheres of life who have been carefully selected to thoroughly dissect the topics,” she said.
The Lagos First Lady further said participants would be lectured on topics such as “The Woman’s physical and mental health, legal rights of women, investment opportunities, domestic violence and rape,” among others.
She added though there would not be the usual gala night as witnessed in the past, awards would be presented in various categories such as ‘ Inspirational Woman Of The Year Award, while Outstanding Achievements Awards would be presented “to three individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of COWLSO over the years.”
Other activities lined up for the event includes Walk Against Rape and Domestic Violence, on Saturday, October, 10, 2020 by 8am with take off point at Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja.
