Sanwo-Olu’s roses, star prizes light up COWLSO conference

Sanwo-Olu, presents flowers to his wife, Ibijoke

It was three days of glamour, influence and heartfelt celebration at the 26th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.

The conference brought together political leaders, women of influence, professionals and stakeholders in Lagos.

Held from October 26 to 28, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, the conference, themed, “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint” provided a platform for conversations on women’s empowerment, leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship and community development.

One of the most talked-about moments came when Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with a magnificent bouquet of roses during the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

In a heartwarming display of affection, the governor presented the flowers to her, declaring his appreciation for her contributions to COWLSO and its activities.

“On behalf of COWLSO and everything that is decent, we want to appreciate you, we want to honour you,” he said.

The couple subsequently shared a kiss as 2face’s popular love song, African Queen, played in the background, drawing applause and adding a romantic touch to the gathering.

The opening ceremony also attracted an impressive assembly of political and public office holders, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat; Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; and Ekiti State Secretary to the Government, Habibat Adubiaro, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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Also present were Lagos State Government Secretary Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; wives of Ogun and Osun governors, Bamidele Abiodun and Titilola Adeleke; former Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; and LASU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo.

The conference was convened by the Lagos First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with Oluremi Hamzat as co-convener and Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu as chairperson.

Beyond the glamour, the event celebrated women whose contributions to public service deserved recognition.

At the gala night, Francisca Lawal, a Lagos State teacher retiring after 33 years of service, emerged winner of a three-bedroom apartment donated by the governor. Another participant, Mary Odofin, a Level 9 officer with the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY, went home with a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle.

The winner of the raffle draw went home with a brand-new iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, alongside a cash prize of N10 million. Other participants received shopping vouchers, return flight tickets to Ghana and London, and several other gifts.

The three-day gathering also featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, exhibitions and conversations around access to capital, digital opportunities, health and wellbeing, entrepreneurship, innovation and intergenerational mentorship.

Among the participants was Kikelomo Jimoh, Chairperson of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, who described her participation as an inspiring opportunity to connect with women leaders, exchange experiences and reflect on purposeful leadership. She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that advance women’s empowerment and sustainable community development.

For COWLSO, the 26th edition was particularly significant, being the eighth and final conference under the Sanwo-Olu administration. As the gathering drew to a close on Wednesday, the governor urged the organisation to sustain its legacy of community service and ensure that resolutions reached at the conference translated into practical interventions that would improve lives.