LUCK SHINES ON RETIRING LAGOS TEACHER, LAGFERRY STAFF AT COWLSO 2026
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… As 33-Year Education Service Veteran Wins Three-Bedroom Apartment, Lagferry Staff Goes Home With Brand-New SUV
… “COWLSO’s Impact Must Transcend My Tenure” – Governor Sanwo-Olu
A retiring Lagos State teacher on Grade Level 17, Mrs. Francisca Olaitan Lawal, has won a three-bedroom apartment, courtesy of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. At the same time, Mary Odofin, a Level 9 officer with Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), also emerged as a winner of a brand-new sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the just-concluded 26th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
The two women emerged as star prize winners 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.
Several other participants at the conference also went home with various gift items, including shopping vouchers, return tickets to Ghana and London, among others.
Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony of the conference on Wednesday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, called on the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to strengthen its legacy of community service by ensuring that recommendations from its annual conferences translate into practical interventions that improve lives.
He urged COWLSO to ensure that its impact extends beyond his administration and remains relevant to future generations. “You must preserve the legacy of service while translating the resolutions of your annual conferences into practical programmes that improve the lives of residents,” says the Governor.
Sanwo-Olu commended COWLSO for its interventions in education, healthcare and support for vulnerable groups, including widows, children, elderly people and residents in need.
He noted that resources generated through the organisation’s activities had been used to support medical outreaches, school projects and other community-focused initiatives.
The Governor also called for proper documentation of the conference recommendations to guide future administrations and stakeholders. He urged members to preserve the unity and shared commitment that have sustained the organisation while building a stronger foundation for future generations.
He emphasised the importance of documenting the outcomes of the annual gathering to enable relevant stakeholders and succeeding administrations to consult the recommendations and implement those capable of advancing social development.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the value of the conference should be reflected in tangible results beyond the discussions and networking sessions, encouraging COWLSO to sustain its interventions and ensure that the knowledge generated at the event benefits communities across Lagos State.
He also acknowledged the responsible use of resources mobilised through conference registration fees and other contributions, noting that the funds had supported initiatives including medical screening programmes, school construction and the provision of care for elderly residents.
According to him, such interventions demonstrate how collective action and sustained partnerships can help address community needs and complement government efforts to improve the wellbeing of residents.
Corroborating the position of her husband, the First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, maintained that the real impact of the conference would be measured by the positive changes participants make after returning to their respective communities, adding that women must move beyond drawing inspiration from others to becoming examples themselves through service, compassion and practical support for those in need.
She also expressed appreciation to the Governor for recognising COWLSO’s impact, especially during the Gala Nite event, stressing that the gesture was a source of encouragement to members and reinforced their commitment to improving the lives of women, children, families and communities.
She congratulated individuals recognised for their contributions to society during the conference, noting that true impact should not be measured solely by titles or positions but by the lives touched and the positive changes achieved.
As the conference ended, the First Lady urged participants to sustain the spirit of sisterhood, support one another’s achievements and extend a helping hand to those in need.
She stressed that being anchored in purpose required consistency, courage and commitment to service, while being a blueprint meant creating room for others to grow and ensuring that personal achievements opened doors for the next generation.
Also speaking at the closing ceremony, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, stressed that being a blueprint meant more than setting an example through words; it required living with purpose, integrity, excellence and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others.
Hamzat also urged women to remain united and peaceful while contributing to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria. She said the collective efforts of women remained important in building stronger families, nurturing the next generation and creating more supportive communities.
Quoting American poet Maya Angelou, Mrs. Hamzat reminded participants that “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within,” urging women to let their sense of purpose illuminate the path for younger generations.
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