Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerian women to rise above societal limitations and position themselves as change agents in the society.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu made the call while addressing participants at the 15th Christian Woman Conference themed, “A Woman of Distinction” held at the Chapel of Christ the Light (CCTL), Alausa, Ikeja.
The event held from Thursday 31st July to August 3 2025. It was put together by the Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational) Women’s Wing and the Lagos State Public Service Christian Fellowship (Women’s Wing).
Mrs Sanwo-Olu described the theme of the conference as timely and relevant in today’s society. She stressed that, the Proverbs 31 woman is not a distant reality.
‘ The Proverb 31 woman is you and me. When we allow the Holy Spirit to mould our character, refine our hearts, and guide our actions, then we would be living out the life of the Proverbs 31 woman.” She said.
As the First Lady in Lagos, Mrs Sanwoolu said she had the opportunity of meeting with countless women and girls whose stories have made her renew her commitment to mentoring and empowering them.
Holiday
She said women have the capacity to rise above limitations and genuinely become agents of change in Nigeria, adding, “I remain committed to initiatives that promote women’s health, education, skills development, and protection from violence and discrimination. I remain a strong advocate against sexual and gender-based violence, also against drug abuse”.
Mrs Sanwoolu urge the women to keep talking and preaching about the need to reform the society. “You must position yourself as change agents . You are influencers and the Deborahs we are looking for. Stop looking for influencers whereas you are the influencer in your home, community, and the nation”.
The first Lady spoke after the guest minister, Pastor Mrs Shade Toyin Kehinde had addressed the theme theme of the conference. She commended the speaker and wondered at the depth of wisdom emanating from her..
“She has said so much, I was taking notes and thought I was back in primary school. I have to ask, where did this lady come from, and who is she?” she exclaimed.
Mrs Sanwoolu described the theme as timely and relevant in today’s society.
Proverb 31 woman
She pleaded with the women to reflect on Proverbs 31 not as a Bible passage, but a lifestyle to live daily as women of value, virtue, and vision.
Her words, “You must be A1 parallel in being prayerful, taking care of your spouses, food management, personal hygiene, looking good at all times.
“Your attitude and character, must be a model to children. You must have the fear of God in your business, and add value to others”.
Shade Toyin Kehinde
Dr Shade Toyin-Kehinde in her delivery has emphasised the place of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the women and the need to live a life of distinction.
“As Christian women, we are called not to distinguish ourselves with our titles, positions, and careers, or appearances, but to be women of distinction in character and deeds”, she stated.
Opticians attending to beneficiaries of the CWC 2025 free eye glasses.
Folashade Ajayi
Earlier, the Conference Convener, Pastor (Mrs) Folashade Ajayi, welcomed guests and participants to the gathering and prepared them for a journey of transformation, liberation, and healing.
She thanked everyone who contributed to the conference’s success. “It has been God who made it a successful outing and by His grace, women should expect something excellent, dynamic, spectacular, and beautiful in the 2026 edition”, she said.
Sunkanmi Oyegbola
In her contribution, the CWC 2025 Planning Committee Chairpersom, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola (the PS, Public Service Office), said the mission of the conference was to raise a good and healthy generation of distinct women who will build their homes, nurture the next generation, and feed their families.
“Women are not just women of beauty. They have special grace. A woman of distinction is a woman of beauty, valour, and grace who knows her God in and out”.
Mrs. Oyegbola advised women to know God first if they want to be a woman of distinction, urging them to be godly, graceful, and have entrepreneurial skills so they could be where they ought to be.
Highlight of event
The four-day conference featured free eye medical outreach to 200 patients, with free medical glasses.to 150 people
There was cooking competition with cash rewards of N120,000 for the overall winner, and N85,000 for the runner-up, while the 3rd and 4th positions received N50,000.
Also, a pageant show with Bible quiz overall winner received a cash award of N150,000, the runner-up, got N100,000, the third and fourth position pocketed N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Nine widows were empowered with cash of N250,000 each and N500,000.
Attendees
Among the speakers and dignitaries who graced the conference are, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Oluremi Hamzat (represented by Mrs Bukola Folarin), Rev (Dr) Oluremi and Mrs Tolulope Hunsu (President, LSPSCF),
Also at the event were Rev (Dr) Dele Ajayi (Presiding Chaplain), Rev (Dr) Olurotimi & Mrs Taiwo L. Taiwo (Chaplain), Rev (Dr) Taiwo Allen, (Treasurer, LSPSCF), Mrs. Jibike Onigbanjo, (PS, WAPA), and Mrs Bosede George, (PS, LGSC),
Apostle Josephine Femi-Asiwaju, (Rev Mrs) Deola Ojo, Apostle (Dr) Elizabeth Ozioma Eze, Dr (Mrs) Funmilayo Doherty, also Mrs Chioma Amaechi, Mr P Omokharo (Baba Ijo, CCTL), Mr Henry Olofingorite, and many other were at the event