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Tag: Mrs Bolanle Ambode

  • Combating teenage pregnancy

    The need to put structures in place to combat teenage pregnancy was the main point of discourse at a recent three-day conference organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) anchored by the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode. Omolara Akintoye writes.

    In Nigeria, an estimated 23% of women aged 15-19 years delve into childbearing, of which teenagers in rural areas are three times more likely to get pregnant than their counterparts in urban areas.

    In a topic titled: ‘Children having Children: The Hazards of Teenage Pregnancy, the Child Protection, Sexual and Reproductive Health,’ Programme Officer, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Veronica Ayo-Vaughan Iwayemi, pointed out that for the many unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, there is an unmet need for modern contraception, as one and a half of pregnancies are unintended.

    She also said, “Ignorance on the part of the parents/caregiver and the child constitutes a major factor.”

    She added that the implication of teenage pregnancy is grave, ranging from complications and labour, anaemia, unsafe abortions, cycle of poverty, lower educational attainment, among others.

    To address these challenges, state government, policy makers, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), civil societies and relevant stakeholders need to engage in advocacy meetings on the need for policy changes and increased funding to support state-wide service upgrade, among others.

    In addressing the issue of children pregnancy, the state government, according to Iwayemi,  started a pilot project two years ago of a Young Moms Clinic in Oko-Awo  Youth Friendly Centre, Lagos Island.

    The objectives of the Teen Mom’s Clinic, she said, is to identify teenage mothers and provide them with health care services, as well as link them to social support services and avenues through which  they can be empowered  in terms of continuing their education or learning a vocational skill.

    Speaking on the topic “Vulnerable but not defenceless”, the Director, Citizens Mediation Center, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, while lamenting that the number of women and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence, exploitation and neglect is on the rise, charged all in attendance to address such behaviour as soon as they sense it.

    “If you are being violated, don’t keep quiet, speak out and seek help, it might be your only chance to save your life or that of your children, make that decision now.”

    Rotimi revealed that Lagos State has over 11 Family Support Unit (FSU) across various police stations, with trained police officers who treat cases with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

    Speaking on the topic, ‘Successful Marriages Need Passion and Perseverance’ founder and chairperson, Relate Africa Organisation for Marriage and Family, Mrs. Bridget Itsueli, lamented that over 30% of women suffer depression in their marriages. She was also quick to add that sex, which is one of the reasons marriage was instituted, is dead in so many marriages.

    For a successful marriage, Itsueli called for interaction, perseverance, and communication between couples.

    In the segment on “Digital Family Connections-Parenting Digital Kids,” founder RAVE Et Al and pioneer DQ Ambassador in Africa, Mrs. Christy Babatunde, addressed the issue of protecting children from the harmful effects of technology and how they can be insulated from digital explosion, so they can make responsible choices in life.

    According to Babatunde, while the goals of parenting remains the same, methods and approaches of training children must change. “Thus entirely disconnecting children from the digital world may be counter-productive, and giving them unfettered access to every digital content might also be counter-productive. There is therefore need to ensure that our children acquire relevant skills, so as to make balanced adjustment,” she said.

    Babatunde also enjoined participants to stick to enduring values and identity.

    The theme of this year’s conference tagged ‘Strengthening our Collective Impact,’ according to Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, focuses on the ‘advantages derivable from our collective impact, compared to when we act alone.

    “If you take a closer look at our society, women are strong-willed. It is very obvious that God created and endowed us with skills, innate abilities and a hidden strength that no one can explain,’ she said.

    The yearly conference, according her, is an avenue to examine issues that pertains to women and the society at large. “It is also aimed at empowering women to  be architects  of change, strengthening the links between women groups across the country, canvassing for resources to empower women raising of funds for execution of COWLSO projects and offering opportunities for professional and personal growth and promotion of policy debates.

    Highlighting the projects executed in the last three years, Mrs. Ambode said, COWLSO has executed health-related projects, which have recorded impressive impacts on the health of babies, children, youths, women and the aged ones. Such projects include: Upgrading of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of the Lagos Island General Hospital in Odan while sponsoring goitre operation for many women; donation of portable Otoread OAEs equipment to four General Hospitals, namely: Badagry, Ifako-Ijaye, Ikorodu and Gbagada General Hospitals; donation of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to the Lagos Island Maternity; donation of two transport incubator ambulances to Gbagada General hospital and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, which is fully equipped with life support gadgets and other conveniences.

    Ambode said, “The women are happy to contribute this way to the progress of our state and the overall happiness of the citizenry” said Bolanle Ambode.

    At the end of the three-day conference, the women resolved to: Get advice from professionals on financial matters; Never spend all their income; Invest at least 10% of it; Know their rights under the law; Caregivers must listen and pay attention to their wards; while cases must be put in place to address cases of children having children.

    Women were also enjoined to take their health seriously, especially from age 40, by ensuring reduction in dietary salt and increasing fruits intake, while maintaining an ideal body weight and engaging in regular exercise.

    Other side attraction of the Conference was the 2018 Inspirational Woman of the Year Award and the Friends of COWLSO Award. The Inspirational Woman of the Year was given to singer, photographer, songwriter and a philanthropist, Toyin Sokefun Bello, aka T Y Bello.

    The Friends of COWLSO award was given to the founder and Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli for her commitment to the promotion of quality health care and poverty alleviation.

    The conference was capped with a gala night of fun and entertainment. Seven participants won Hyundai Accent Executive cars, while some won a trip to London, others also won Consolation prizes.

  • Style, fashion at Glam and Essence Award

    The 6th edition of Glam and Essence Award and Runway Show 2018 witnessed a turn-out of celebrities at the style event that was held at Red Carpet Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Among the personalities that went home with Special Recognition Award were Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Ali Baba, Mrs Shade Okoya, Banke Meshida and Mrs. Data Okorodudu.

     

  • Mrs Ambode urges women to transform Nigeria at Pacwa convention

    The First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has called on women to bring their God-given multiple endowments and sterling qualities to bear in transforming Nigeria to a virile nation for the benefit of the citizens and to the Glory of God.

    Speaking as the Chief Guest of Honour during the 27th annual national convention of the Pan African Women Alliance Nigeria (PACWA) which held at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja, the First Lady, emphasized that a limitless world of possibilities await Nigeria, if the women as naturally gifted builders could join hands to implement visionary projects that will benefit the nation and its people.

    “Our role in the society as women is great, and must be used positively to turn our nation to God and help our people to live right and well. My dear people of God, let us be encouraged to Arise and Build, and God will surely make our cities, states and nation a better place for us all”, Mrs. Ambode stated further, at the convention which was hosted by the Lagos State chapter.

    Also speaking, National Patron of the body, Rev. (Mrs.) Edith Iloh, challenged every woman who desires to contest for any position in politics to take the bull by the horn by stepping out boldly, knowing that they, as women, have what it takes to succeed.

    “You are the light of the world, so go out there and shine. Let me assure you that PACWA women all over Nigeria will support you,” she said.

    Also prominent at the event which was marked with glee, glamour, dancing, torrent of prayers and Christian praises, were Pastor Mrs. Iphy Okonkwo, Dr. Mrs. Florence Aboki, National Chairperson Rev. Sam Tukura, Minister Bintu Musa, Rev. Dr. Shade Toyin-Kehinde, Bishop Mary Ajisafe, among others.

  • Speak out against domestic violence, Ambode’s wife, Adebule urge women

    LAGOS State Deputy Governor Dr Oluranti Adebule and wife of the governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode  have urged women  to speak out against domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy, among other vices.

    They spoke at the Lagos Women’s Forum, which held at the Police College, Ikeja. The event was organised to address women’s health and recurring social vices in the society.

    It was supported by Power Oil, a healthy cooking oil as part of its   efforts to intensify the advocacy for a healthy living and other well-being measures, especially among women in  the society.

    Wife of the first civilian governor of the state Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the state Head of Service (HoS) Mrs. Folasade Adesoye were some of the dignitaries at the event.

    With the theme: Woman…your health, your social environment,  Mrs Ambode said sound health is one of life’s greatest blessings, hence the need to encourage and educate women to live in good health for longer life and optimal performance in all aspects of life.

    She said: “Good health is the gateway to everything. To have good health, we need to take care of our body, mind and soul. It is when we have good health that we can run around for business and engage in other activities.”

    While also condemning the spate of social vices in the state, Mrs Ambode urged women to voice out their discontent with domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy.

    She said: “Importantly, too, we would be examining the rights of women under the law in the face of persistent social problems. When we know our rights, we can speak better and act better to protect ourselves if and when those circumstances arise.”

    She reminded women of their role as mothers and co-ordinators of the family unit, which, according to her, imposed on them the responsibility of bringing up their children in the most decent way for a decent and moral society.

    According to her, good health is a prerequisite for every other thing, including good attention to children and family, business and political activities.

    “It is when we have good health that we can run around for business, take care of our homes, our children or engage in political activities. When we have sound health, we can better attend to all issues and concerns,” she said.

    Mrs Adebule said the forum provided a platform for women to say “enough” to challenges they were facing. “We should no longer be stereotyped into silence, but become vocal advocates for an improved health delivery system and social justice for women in Lagos State and the country,” she said.

    Mrs Adebule said it was unfortunate that 23 years after the Beijing Declaration, women were still facing many health and social problems.

    She urged women to embrace sustainable advocacy and take conscious action of their health and how they are treated by the society at large.

    “We should no longer be stereotyped into silence, but become vocal advocates for improved health delivery system and social justice for women in the state and the country.

    “As critical stakeholders, our role must be focused on investing and increasing access of more girls and women to good health, quality education; ensuring that laws that respect and ensure the rights of women are enforced and help create gender-posture media messages that support women and girls in distress,” she said.

    Power Oil Public Relations Manager, Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, said the firm was delighted to align with such a laudable health awareness and well-being programme, particularly  women in the society.

    The programme, she said, shared similar values with what the brand stands for  Healthy Living and general well being.

    According to her, because of the multi-functional nature of women, they equally deserve healthy state  to carry out their duties efficiently. “This one of the reasons it is recommended that they take advantage of the free health check up and medical consultation opportunity, which Power Oil health camp offers, Omotayo stated.

    A Director from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Modupeola Adebambo,  said sexually- abused children have the tendency to be sexually active and be exposed to teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and alcohol addiction, among others.

    She appealed to parents not to abuse their children, urging them to teach them sexual education because of the danger inherent in sexual abuse.

    Office of Public Defender (OPD) Director Olayinka Adeyemi, also urged women to speak out against domestic violence and report such cases to the OPD for legal action.

     

  • Pillars of high society celebrate Rasak Okoya

    Pillars of high society celebrate Rasak Okoya

    In a clime where wealth and pride go hand in hand, quiet and unassuming lifestyle is a forgotten virtue among the rich and the famous. But one man who has risen above the din to command legendary status is Alhaji Rasak Akanni Okoya of the Eleganza fame.

    The foremost industrialist has long cemented his legacy in the annals of history. Little wonder high society was out in full force to celebrate with him as he clocked 78. The grand birthday bash at the Oluwanisola Estate home of the Okoyas was a throwback to the classic occasions of yore with its all-white theme lending it a unique ambience in these days of loud and gaudy colours.

    The queen of high society, Sade Okoya, was in her elements as she buzzed about in her capacity as the grand hostess. The palatial residence of the billionaire businessman became the temporary berth of prominent sons and daughters of Yorubaland who came to felicitate with one of their own.

    On hand at the event were the first lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Chief Samuel Adedoyin and his wife; Sir Olu Okeowo and his wife; Oba Dapo Tejuosho and Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others.

  • Ambode, Adebule fete children with disabilities

    It was a special day for children living with disabilities in Lagos State schools last Thursday as the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, and the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, shared time with them at the Blue Roof, LTV8.

    The programme, held to commemorate the 11th International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWD), featured a  march past, carnival display, fashion parade and cultural dance  by the special need pupils as well as presentation of awards to deserving people and organisations that had supported the education of people with disabilities.

    Dr Adebule said in recognition of what PWD can do, the state was investing in their welfare by employing them and earmarking funds for their training and development.

    “A N500 Million Disability Trust Fund was launched and a board of passionate people was set up to manage the fund and issue guidelines for its disbursement for the education, social development and welfare of people living with disabilities in Lagos State. I am happy to say that the one year old fund has impacted greatly on the target audience.

    “To increase the number of employable PWDs in the future, our government embarked on mass mobilisation and public enlightenment to have challenged children enrolled in our special and inclusive schools. Today, I am glad to inform you that from the 1049 pupils/students in 2015, the population has grown to 2661 pupils/students. We have also increased the number of primary inclusive schools from 29 to 31 and secondary inclusive schools from six to 12,” she said.

    In her speech, Mrs Ambode, who was the Special Guest of Honour, urged the participants not to feel bad about their disabilities but have faith in the government, which she promised was determined to help them achieve their “full potential despite the challenge.”

    “I urge all special persons to register with the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), so as to benefit from various programmes put in place to assist them realise their dreams and live a happy and fulfilled life.  The registration is necessary for statistics to aid effective planning for the specific needs of individuals,” she said.

  • COWLSO: ‘Women must be committed to national development’

    COWLSO: ‘Women must be committed to national development’

    The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has advised women to be assertive in their actions in order to contribute to national development.

    This was one of the recommendations at this year’s National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    In her remarks, the wife of Lagos State Governor and Chairman of COWLSO Mrs Bolanle Ambode urged participants to deploy the knowledge gained at the confab for their personal benefits.

    Mrs. Ambode said women should embrace entrepreneurship at this challenging period to make positive impact.

    In the area of agriculture, she challenged women to have good mentors, and to be consistent and persistent in doing things right as challenges were stepping stones to success.

    She also urged them to take advantage of the paradigm shift from crude oil to the agricultural sector as major revenue earner for the country.

    The wife of the governor said one of the things learnt during the conference was that stress contributes to death of six out of 10 people worldwide, adding that as such, women should conduct annual comprehensive medical check-ups, exercise regularly, maintain ideal body weight and shun habits such as smoking and hard drugs, among others.

    Speaking, Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode urged women to implement all 21 resolutions reached at this year’s COWLSO Conference ahead of the 2018 edition.

    The governor reiterated government’s commitment towards supporting the course of women in Lagos State.

    The special guest of honour, the Governor of Adamawa State, Bindo Jibrilla, represented by his deputy, Matis Babale, in declaring the conference closed, urged women to be nation-builders. He urged them to be creative and industrious, so as to positively transform the family, community and the nation at large.

    The communique read by Prof. Ibiyemi Bello also advised women to have entrepreneurial disposition which would be helpful in overcoming challenging situations.

    The conference said there should be more advocacies to encourage women to explore their innate abilities to make a difference.

    The conference admonished women to source for funds through grants, equity and debt financing.

    The conference also urged government to provide land and environment conducive to good farming for women farmers, adding that women could source funds through grants, equity and debt financing, among others. The communique urged government to provide more opportunities and full support for young women and youths to acquire skills for agri-business, while women should be empowered to take care of the family, community, and nation, among others.

    Recall that three cars were won last year, while six cars, comprising one Hyundai 110 and five MG cars were won alongside all expenses paid trips to Dubai among other gifts won at the gala night.

    Certificates of appreciation were presented to friends of COWLSO who included Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; Chi-Nigeria Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited.

  • Ambode’s wife preaches love, tolerance at Ramadan

    Ambode’s wife preaches love, tolerance at Ramadan

    Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has called for love and peaceful co-existence among the citizenry, during and after the Ramadan.

    She made the call during the evening prayer and fast-breaking (Iftar) by Muslim faithful, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Mrs. Ambode said that the Ramadan period represented love, forgiveness, peaceful co-existence and the need to extend a helping hand to the less privileged in the society.

    The Governor’s wife said that Nigeria needed love and peaceful co-existence to strengthen and surmount all challenges confronting her as a nation.

    According to her, “For any country to thrive, she needs love and peaceful co-existence to strengthen the social bond, and overcome any challenge confronting it as a nation. It is only when we allow love to grow in our hearts irrespective of religion, language and tribe barrier that we can collectively as a nation surmount any challenge confronting us”.

    Speaking further, she said that fasting during this period of Ramadan should not just consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire and wrong-doing.

    She said, “Fasting during this Ramadan period does not just consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire and wrong-doing. The fast is not merely of the body, but essentially that of the spirit as well”.

    The Governor’s wife urged the gathering to develop and strengthen the powers of self-control, attain nearness and closeness to God, so as to intensify the consciousness of God in our hearts, resulting in a higher spiritual experience and to continue to give to the less privileged, not at Ramadan alone but at all times.

    Mrs. Ambode thanked them for the prayer offered for the state, the first family, cabinet members and the nation at large, just as she urged them to continue to intercede with their prayers and prayed that they would all live to witness many more Ramadan on earth.

    Gifts were also distributed to the gathering in the spirit of the season

     

  • Ambode’s wife tasks women on skills acquisition

    Ambode’s wife tasks women on skills acquisition

    Wife of the  Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has  charged women in the state, to utilize the opportunity provided by various skill acquisition centres built by the state government, to get skills for their economic empowerment.

    She made the remarks at the commissioning of Funmilayo Mobolaji Johnson Skill Acquisition Centre, in Ajah, a suburb of Lagos, donated by two firms, Huawei  Technologies Limited and Fortis Project Services.

    Mrs Ambode said it was not fashionable for women to be idle and expect the husband to bankroll the family expenses, stressing that having something to contribute to home upkeep, went a long way in uplifting the family.

    According to her  ‘It is not advisable that ladies and women should live entirely on the income of their husbands. It is always helpful that the woman has something to contribute to the upkeep of the home. It also puts her in a respectable position in the family’.

    She disclosed that the state government had built about seventeen skill acquisition centres around the state, that train women, ladies, widows and school drop-outs, in skills like leather works, hat-making, carpentry, shoe-making, soap-making, dress-designing and computer-studies among others.

    She also said that the establishment of the employment trust fund by the administration of  Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, was to help people become entrepreneurs, by providing funds for good business ideas and to those with skills to establish own businesses.

    In her own address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande, commended the firms for their corporate social responsibility initiative, noting that the gesture would go a long way in reducing unemployment among women in the state.

  • UNIC Director calls for family-friendly policies for work environment

    UNIC Director calls for family-friendly policies for work environment

    In observance of the 2017 International Day of Families, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Mr Ronald Kayanja, has called for Policies that encourage corporate responsibility and family-friendly work environments. “Family-friendly policies, he continued, “are essential and have already been proved to improve workers’ productivity and dependability.”

    Mr Kayanja made this call today in his opening address at the Africa Family Life Delegate Conference organised by Centre for Sex Education and Family Life. Addressing over 600 delegates at the conference, Mr Kayanja noted that the working conditions of parents affect their ability to play an active role in their children’s education. “The International Day of Families therefore, is a day to focus on needed policies to create a good nurturing environment at family level for children to grow. For parents to effectively play this important role of nurturers, they need time with their children as they grow up,” he explained.

    Drawing inference from the conference theme, ‘The Role of Family Life Education in Transforming Africa’ which aligns with the global theme of the International Day, ‘Families, Education and Wellbeing’, the UNIC Director highlighted the crucial role of the family as the centre for early childhood education. “We know that the education a child is exposed to before reaching age 8 is a determinant of what type of person we will have in society. Parents, grandparents and relatives play a major role at this stage, as they work with early childhood teachers in elementary/ nursery schools.” He said.

    Speaking, the First Lady of Lagos, Mrs Bolanle Ambode underscored the centrality of family to the development and noted that ‘without family, no country; without a country, no continent and no world.’ Represented by her Special Assistant, Dr Arinola Oluwo, the wife the Lagos State Governor explained that the only way to have a world of our dream was to fix the family.

    Welcoming the participants, the Principal Consultant, Centre For Sex Education and Family Life, Mr Praise Fowowe, explained that a dysfunctional family system could not build a functional society. He called on everyone to commit to ‘creating and promoting an effective family life education that can deliver a developed family system which ultimately would deliver a developed society.’

    Mr Fowowe added that the most important government may not be the government of a nation after all; according to him, “the most important government is actually what we have coined the ‘Family Government’. We strongly believe that the Family Government is the production factory of the society and until we become intentional about the development of an effective family system, we may not witness a developed continent we so desire.”

    In 1993, the UN General Assembly declared 1994 as the International Year of the family and also that 15 May each should be observed by all Member States as the International Day of Families. The General Assembly noted that ‘families are the fullest reflection, at the grassroots level, of the strengths and weaknesses of the social and development welfare environment, and as such offer a uniquely comprehensive and synthesising approach to social issues.’ It was further observed that families, as basic units of social life, are major agents of sustainable development at all levels of society and that their contribution to that process is crucial to its success.