By Ghazali Ibrahim
The 25th edition of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) Pre-Conference Walk took a transformative turn on Saturday as Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, used the occasion to spotlight innovation and youth empowerment during her visit to the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu.
Accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and over 470 women from across Lagos, the First Lady led a colorful wellness walk through the Lagos East Senatorial District, hosted by Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, wife of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, and COWLSO leader in the district.
But the highlight of the day came not from the fitness exercise, but from the inspiring stopover at SAIL Innovation Lab, a community-driven digital and tech hub established by Senator and Mrs. Abiru under the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.
Visibly moved by what she described as “a life-changing innovation space,” Mrs. Sanwo-Olu commended the Abirus for translating public service into tangible empowerment for young people.
“I am truly inspired by what I’ve seen here today,” the First Lady said.
“The SAIL Innovation Lab is not just a building; it is a gateway to opportunity. Senator Tokunbo Abiru and his wife have shown what visionary leadership looks like empowering young people with the tools to thrive in the digital age.”
At the Lab, hundreds of youths from Lagos East are currently receiving free training in technology, data analysis, product design, and entrepreneurship, with many already placed in jobs or running their own ventures.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu urged beneficiaries to “maximize the rare opportunity,” noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru thanked the First Lady for her visit and for her continued advocacy for women and families across the state.
She described the COWLSO platform as “a bridge of compassion and empowerment” that amplifies women’s contributions to Lagos’ development.
“Your Excellency, your visit today is a testament to your unwavering commitment to women and youth. We are inspired by your leadership and grateful for the support your office gives to initiatives that uplift communities,” Mrs. Abiru said.
The COWLSO delegation also toured the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre and paid a courtesy visit to Mrs. Oluwagbemiga Olabisi Benson, the first Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, in recognition of her pioneering role in public education.
This year’s Pre-Conference Walk, themed “Wellness, Unity, and Impact”, served as a prelude to the upcoming COWLSO National Women’s Conference, reinforcing the Lagos First Lady’s message that good governance must blend compassion with innovation.
