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Tag: COWLSO

  • COWLSO’s role in women empowerment excites First Lady Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    COWLSO’s role in women empowerment excites First Lady Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

    They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

    In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

    Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

    According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

    “COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,” she said.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

    He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

    He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

    He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

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    “Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born — to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,” he said.

    He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

    Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

    She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

    “As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • COWLSO community outreach grand finale holds today

    COWLSO community outreach grand finale holds today

    The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Johnson Era, has said its Special Needs Community Outreach will hold today.

    A statement by Mrs Funmi Omotoso, coordinator for the Ikeja Division where the final celebration will hold, said the outreach was a statement of equity, dignity and opportunity for persons living with disabilities.

    She quoted Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, coordinator of COWLSO Johnson Era, as saying the programme was about compassion and collective responsibility, with a commitment to ensuring that individuals living with special needs received the care, attention and support they truly deserved.

    She said the outreach began in Badagry, journeyed with unwavering momentum to Ikorodu, and then to the bustling heart of Lagos Island, adding that ‘’all is now set for its grand finale,  closing ceremony at the Banquet Hall, Office of the Governor’s Wife, Alausa, Ikeja.

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    Mrs Omotoso said: “The outreach has proudly collaborated with reputable organisations championing disability inclusion. Among them are the Federal Society for the Blind, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, and the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, as well as local advocacy groups and community caregivers. Their expertise ensures the support reaches those who need it most and creates lasting impact.

    “At each location, the team presented life-changing support items such as wheelchairs, crutches hearing aids,  laptops, projectors, freezers, musical instruments, mattresses, televisions, fans and other essential electronics. These gifts were matched by assistive devices, educational materials and medical supplies—tools designed not just to relieve immediate burdens, but also to spark long-term independence and productivity.”

    She described it as a movement of love, saying they had witnessed courage and resilience that inspired the group to do more.

    She said the grand finale will not only celebrate the journey, but also strengthen their resolve to build a society that leaves no one behind.

    Mrs Omotoso said the event would feature presentations of additional empowerment gifts, heartfelt testimonies from beneficiaries and renewed pledges of support from government officials, private-sector partners and civic leaders.

    Dignitaries, including the governor’s wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and key stakeholders in the disability-inclusion movement are expected to attend.

  • COWLSO upskills women, youths with tools at 25

    COWLSO upskills women, youths with tools at 25

    Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has donated empowerment tools to vulnerable women and youths.

    The materials, COWLSO said, were to boost economic empowerment and bring relief to families in Lagos State.

    The initiative, “Sanwo-Olu Era” Empowerment Programme, was held at Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, as part of activities marking 25th Anniversary of COWLSO National Women’s Conference.

    Speaking at the event, the governor’s wife and Chair Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, said the empowerment reflects COWLSO’s commitment to supporting residents through charitable initiatives that complement government’s development agenda.

    According to her, the anniversary celebration was structured into distinct “eras”, namely Mobolaji Johnson Era (Military), Tinubu Era, Fashola Era, Ambode Era, and Sanwo-Olu Era, each marked with projects to impact lives.

    She noted that beneficiaries also received training on financial literacy and cyber security to strengthen their businesses and financial wellbeing.

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    “These beneficiaries were selected from all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas. Economic empowerment remains a core mandate of COWLSO, as we seek to provide platforms for residents to thrive, become self-reliant, and contribute to society,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.

    She, however, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the tools, urging them to put them to productive use for the sustainable growth of their businesses. She assured that COWLSO would continue to monitor their progress and provide support.

    The governor’s wife reaffirmed COWLSO’s commitment to grassroots development, particularly in advancing welfare of women and young people through impactful programmes.

    The empowerment tools include: laptops, deep freezers, sewing machines, industrial ovens, professional cameras, generators, mobile phones, make up kits, and pedicure sets.

    Present at the event were deputy governor’s wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, development partners, and COWLSO executives, among others.

  • COWLSO to lift special needs community

    COWLSO to lift special needs community

    In a bold and compassionate stride toward building a more inclusive Lagos, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), under the Johnson Era, is set to launch a groundbreaking series of initiatives dedicated to the special needs community.

    This visionary programme, beginning this month, promises to bring hope, empowerment and tangible support to children and families across the five divisions of Lagos State.

    The journey will kick off in Badagry today, and continues in Ikorodu tomorrow. From there, the movement will spread across all divisions, culminating in grand closing ceremonies at Lagos Central on September 23, and Ikeja on September 24.

    With the theme: “No limits, Just Possibilities”, the Johnson Era will prioritise initiatives that bridge the gap for children and adults with special needs. Plans include the distribution of educational resources and assistive materials, fun-filled recreational activities, interactive sessions with educators, and hands-on empowerment programmes for parents and caregivers.

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    For many, this initiative represents the promise of structured support in navigating the unique challenges of helping people living with disabilities. It goes beyond charity, aiming instead to create opportunities, restore dignity and build a Lagos where every individual — regardless of ability — can thrive.

    COWLSO’s commitment has already drawn anticipation from stakeholders in education, health care and civil society, who see this as a vital intervention that can ripple across generations.

    By addressing the gaps in access to resources and advocacy, the Johnson Era is positioning COWLSO as a model of inclusive governance and community development in Lagos State.

    As Lagosians look ahead to the launch today, expectations are high. The initiative is poised to make a lasting mark not only in the hearts of the special needs community, but also across the entire state. It is a shining example of how leadership, driven by empathy and vision, can transform lives and reframe the narrative of inclusion.

  • COWLSO takes medical outreach to communities

    COWLSO takes medical outreach to communities

    • By Sisianu Melawakou

    The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has commenced a Free Medical Outreach across communities in the state.

    This is part of efforts to provide accessible healthcare to residents and build a healthy environment.

    Wife of the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the kick-off held at GOS Ground, Mushin, stated that the medical outreach is as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the National Women’s Conference of COWLSO with a special gift to various communities.

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that COWLSO is a community-based gender organization established to complement the efforts of the the State Government through various welfare and charitable initiatives for the development and growth of the state, adding that the National Women’s Conference of COWLSO organized annually in the last 25 years has provided a platform to frontally address various challenges facing women.

    According to her, “Through the National Women’s Conference, we have been consistent in empowering and supporting women in becoming independent and realizing their full potentials,even as we believe this will further assist them, their families, our communities”

    She pointed out that the theme for this free medical outreach “Healthy for All: Bridging Gaps, building a Healthy Future” further highlights the efforts of COWLSO towards building a safe and healthy environment for all citizens, emphasizing that the Free Medical Outreach will commence at Mushin from the 5th – 6th of August, while same free health screening opportunity will also hold at Aiyetoro Primary Health Care Centre, Makoko, from the 19th – 20th of August.

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    “We intend to round off this great initiative at the final destination, Epe Recreation Centre, Epe from September 2nd to 3rd, 2025,” she added

    The Governor’s wife explained that the medical outreach will cover free screenings and medical consultations on Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Hepatitis B&C, TB, Eye Check, Cervical and Breast Screening, Dental Screening and health education from the team of medical experts at the designated locations.

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu while acknowledging efforts of the government to improve and reposition the health sector for effective and efficient service delivery, encouraged Lagosians to prioritize their health by adopting healthy lifestyles including regular exercise, consuming more fruits and vegetables, reducing salt and sugar intake, and maintaining healthy body weight, among others.

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu concluded by appreciating the laudable interventions by the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative which has continued to positively transform lives across the federation through key programmes in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment, thereby assuring that the government in collaboration with COWLSO will not relent in its efforts towards continually putting measures in place to ensure inclusive, prompt and effective healthcare services to residents across the State

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe thanked COWLSO for the great initiative poised to improve the health conditions of residents, emphasizing that the humanitarian gesture would enable residents access quality healthcare across the environs.

  • Ambode’s wife urges Sanwo-Olu to move COWLSO to greater height

    Wife of the Lagos State governor and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has handed over to the wife of the governor-elect, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu.

    She urged her to take COWLSO to a greater height.

    At a brief ceremony at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, at the weekend, Mrs. Ambode hailed the vision of the founding mothers of the committee, which is to complement the efforts of the government in critical areas that are women and children-friendly.

    She said the committee, under successive chairmen, had continued to walk in that great vision, leading to remarkable improvement in the lives of women, girls and children, in vital areas of health, empowerment, education and others.

    Mrs Ambode recalled some of the achievements made under her chairmanship in the last four years: “My lovely women, with all sense of modesty, we happily recall some of our collective achievements in the health sector, by way of interventions in maternal and child health, year after year.

    ‘The phases of intervention led to the sponsorship of goiter surgery for 30 women, free hearing aids for 15 children, three  women and two men; as well as the upgrading of the ENT Department of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos. We also purchased and installed state-of-the-art audiology equipment, including Otoread OAE capable of detecting hearing defects in newborns.”

    She went on: “Other phases of intervention saw the procurement and donation of two Transport Incubator Ambulance to the Gbagada General Hospital and Island Maternity Hospital, coupled with the donation of 32 neo-natal incubators to 13 General Hospitals and six fully fitted Birthing Suites for Amuw-Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, Epe General Hospital and Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, among others.”

    She thanked members of the committee for their support for her and the Ambode administration over the past four years and appreciated her predecessors for their advice and words of wisdom.

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu praised her predecessor for taking COWLSO to an enviable height, promising that she would not deviate from the founding ideals of the committee.

    She said: “I thank my big sister, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, for the great steps she has taken to move the committee to its current level. I thank her for the words of encouragement that I should not be scared about the challenges of that office. I will do my best, God helping me, to move COWLSO to the next level.’

    Mrs. Sanwoolu, who also commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his attention to the committee, noted that governance was a continuum.

    She said the incoming government would work hard to move the state to the next level.

    A major highlight of the event was the presentation of charity grants to 29 orphanage homes and those for the less privileged.

  • COWLSO donates suites, neo-natal incubators to hospitals

    The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) yesterday donated 32 neo-natal incubators to 13 government hospitals.

    It also donated six birthing suites to Lagos Island Maternity, Amuwo Maternal and Child Centre and Epe General Hospital.

    COWLSO Chairman and wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, accompanied by wife of the Governor-elect, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu,  spoke of the group ’s vision for expectant mothers to have access to world-class delivery facilities in public hospitals.

    According to her, an ideal childbirth will ensure the best outcome for mother and baby, in a safe environment that guaranteed quick recovery from the process, and allowed early and optimum bonding of mother and child.

    “My vision and that of COWLSO, is that in Lagos State, any expectant woman, regardless of origin, economic status and location, will have access to quality and safe child delivery experience that is in line with international best practice, in any of our public hospitals, at a minimal cost.

    “Child birth has always been one of the life-changing experiences that women go through. Different women go into labour having different emotions and expectations about the process and outcome. There is hardly a woman who had been in labour that would not remember that experience, many years after,” Mrs Ambode said.

    Birthing suites are stand-alone delivery units, where all three stages of a woman’s labour and delivery take place. They have private conveniences for patients and are fitted with automated birthing beds, ultra-modern vital sign monitors for mother and baby; specialised machines for monitoring the heartbeat of mother and baby and post- delivery care.

    The incubators will regulate the body temperature of pre-term babies and avail them the right environment to be nurtured, till they are fit to go home.

    The Medical Director of Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, said  the committee’s gesture would help reduce infant and child mortality.

     

  • Obaseki hails COWLSO for bringing govt, the governed closer

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and its activities are fantastic ideas that enable the government to reach the people at the grassroots and get another perspective of what is happening with them.

    Obaseki, spoke yesterday as the special guest of honour at the opening of the 18th National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The theme of this year’s conference is: Strengthening Our Collective Impact.

    The governor described COWLSO as a platform that connects the family with the government “as wives and children get together and are linked to where the husband/father works”.

    He noted that it is only members of your family, if you are a government official, who will tell you the truth about how the people feel about the government as they interact with other members of the public.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, former Deputy Governors Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Adejoke Adefulire, Sinatu Ojikutu, as well as wives of the governors of Edo, Ogun and Oyo states, Olayinka Agunsoye, who represented Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Opral Benson, APC women leaders, Kemi Nelson and Okoya-Thomas, among others.

    Obaseki said: “COWLSO is, therefore, a very powerful network that you have created in Lagos State. I can tell you that other states envy you for this.”

    The governor hailed the committee for its activities, especially as they affect healthcare, the less privileged and vulnerable members of the society through donations, employment and empowerment programmes.

    He said: “You serve as an inspiration to a lot of us. Many states now copy what you are doing here and the idea has gone places.”

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Adebule, said he was proud of the achievements of COWLSO, especially in giving hope to the less privileged and the vulnerable through donations.

     

     

     

     

     

  • COWLSO holds training

    COWLSO holds training

    The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has organised a capacity building programme for its members at its Retiree Villa, Ogombo, Ajah.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor and chairman of the committee, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, noted that capacity building was a major component of corporate and public service, for performance leveraging at home and other engagements outside the home.

    She said: ‘The need to continually improve ourselves for domestic, social and professional purposes, is the reason we have organised this training programme. It is expected to acquaint us with current trends and update our knowledge in relevant and vital areas.

    ‘’We hold the view that self-improvement trainings like this, will bring out optimal performance for those in paid employment. It will also help to bring out the best in us, in various personal businesses and our social interactions.’’

    Mrs. Ambode observed that topics for discussion, which were relevant to the women, included etiquette, public speaking, protocol and security.

    She explained that while etiquette was selected to polish domestic and public conduct, protocol was included to fine-tune the women’s knowledge of the rules.

    She stressed that security was a necessary for individual and collective safety, while public speaking was essential for everyone in jobs, businesses, social interactions and for politics.

    The governor’s wife assured the members, that the committee would not deviate from the philosophy of the founding mothers, which was to support the efforts of their husbands in government, to improve the welfare of Lagosians.

     

     

  • Reducing maternal mortality: The COWLSO example

    Reducing maternal mortality: The COWLSO example

    Dressed in White T-shirts with COWLSO emblazoned on them and fez-caps to match, the women numbering over 100 grinned unceasingly. It was obvious they were not there to be delivered of their babies. They are mothers who know the pangs of labour.

    They are members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). Their mission at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital was to donate an ultra-modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to the Lagos Island Maternity, a move that was aimed at reducing the rate of maternal mortality in Lagos State and its environs.

    Led by wife of Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the committee, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the women promised that they would continue to partner with the government in its efforts to end mother and child mortality.

    The ICU is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as humidifier, multi-parameter monitors, portable multi-parameter monitor and volumetric infusion pump.

    Others are portable suction unit, blood fluid/warmer; automatic external defibrillator, Marquet servo air intensive care ventilators, ICU beds, pressure relief mattresses and pump, among others.

    The project was the focus of COWLSO’s health intervention for this year, along with neonatal hearing screening equipment donated to Gbagada General Hospital, Ikorodu General Hospital, Badagry General Hospital and Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, all in Lagos State.

    Mrs. Ambode said late referral of emergency baby delivery cases from traditional birth attendants and faith-based homes to government’s health facilities had become a major challenge, requiring the services of an ICU to save endangered mothers and their babies.

    “Now and then, we hear of many expectant mothers and their babies dying of conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, convulsion or shock arising from post-delivery bleeding. A good number of such cases come in extreme conditions, of which non-availability of a well-equipped intensive care unit, death seems inevitable for the mother, baby or both,” Mrs Ambode said.

    She said that informed COWLSO’s intervention in upgrading and strengthening the existing High Dependency Unit, to an ultra-modern Intensive Care Unit, to cope with increased number and complexity of emergency cases.

    She said: “This gesture by the committee had the potential to save mothers and babies, as well as ease financial pressure on families.”

    Mrs Ambode said the committee also decided to consolidate on last year’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) intervention, by targeting the preventive aspect of hearing impairment. She revealed that neonatal hearing screening equipment was procured for those general hospitals, to enable early screening of new-borns for possible hearing defects.

    She said: “According to the World Health Organisation, 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable, hence our continuous intervention. The consequences of not addressing hearing loss in children include difficulty in speech acquisition, delayed language development, academic under-achievement, social isolation, higher risk injuries and increased poverty.

    “According to audiologists, the most important way to address this disability is early examination of new-borns. This is done by a test called ‘neo-natal hearing screening.”

    Four OTOREAD OAE audio-logical instruments, capable of detecting hearing loss in children have been installed and 12 personnel trained to handle the equipment. They can be accessed at Gbagada, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ifako-Ijaiye general hospitals.

    Also, some equipment have been installed at ENT Unit of General Hospital Lagos to serve the needs of Lagos Island Maternity and Massey Street Children’s hospitals, both of which have a high population of new deliveries and very young children.

    The COWLSO chairman commended her members, the health institutions and equipment suppliers for their co-operation and support.

    Chairman, Committee on Health Services, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Olusegun Olulade implored Lagosians to take advantage of the equipment. He also appealed to health workers who will operate the equipment to handle them with utmost care. He promised to assist COWLSO in the area of health-related legislation.

    Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jide Idris said Island Maternity records about 400 deliveries monthly and promised that professional update courses would be provided to run the unit, adding that the state’s Strategic Health Development Plan envisioned the phased creation of zonal High Dependency Units to serve emergency obstetric cases.

    “The revamping of the audiology unit of the ENT clinic at the General Hospital Lagos last year by COWLSO has had positive impact on residents with hearing impairment. I commend the Committee for the noble gesture, and I am calling on well-meaning individuals and groups, to emulate them by partnering the government in the mission to provide quality health care services to the citizens,” Dr Idris said.

    Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Hon. Segun Olulade, praised members of COWLSO for complementing efforts of government to achieve new levels of health care delivery for Lagosians.

    He said: “COWLSO has introduced a new dimension to humanitarian service. I can still remember when the committee donated the first state-of-the-art Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) equipment to the General Hospital Odan and conducted major goitre surgery for over 30 adults. I implore expectant mothers to take advantage of the facilities. I also urge health workers to handle them with care.”

    Responding on behalf of the general hospitals that received the hearing screening equipment, the Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Olufunmilayo Bankole profusely praised COWLSO and the governor’s wife for the intervention, stressing that the instruments would enable the benefitting hospitals to screen the new-borns for possible hearing defects.