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Tag: Wife of Lagos State Governor

  • NAF to utilise aluminium, shoes produced by barrack youths, widows

    NAF to utilise aluminium, shoes produced by barrack youths, widows

    Plans are underway by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to start utilising aluminium sheets and shoes produced by beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) skills acquisition programme.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar stated this Thursday during the graduation of 150 barrack youths and widows who were enrolled into the scheme last December.

    Abubakar, who window-shopped the various times produced by the participants, expressed satisfaction at the quality of the shoes, boots and aluminium.

    He said the NAF would work out modalities to ensure that the flat shoes were supplied to all female officers, Air Women, while the boots would be amended to suit the force’ approved camouflage and supplied to recruits.

    Commending NAWOFA for the free training and starter packs given to the beneficiaries, the Air Chief said the association by its gesture, has contributed greatly in the fight against terrorism.

    At the event were the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Bello Abba-Kyari, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Yahaya, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, among others.

    Abubakar said: “I want to say that you are contributing to the development of the society and also ensuring we are successful in the fight against terrorism. Though you are not with us in the battle front, carrying riffles or flying helicopters but I want to tell you that what you are doing in our bases is positively impacting on the operations that we are combating all over the country.

    “You have done so much in terms of supporting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the contributions you are making monthly and voluntary contributions that personal are making. You are using it to put smiles on the faces of the most unfortunate citizens of the North East that have been trapped in this crisis.

    “I also understand that similar skills acquisition programmes have been done in Makurdi Kaduna, Maiduguri and I understand you are also are planning another one in Port Hacourt. These programmes, I must say, are very significant because they key into our idea of providing for the welfare of air men/women and officers of the NAF.

    “So this skill acquisition which targets youths and widows in the barrack is playing an important role because with this kind of program, we get less distractions from officers and men of NAF deployed to the field. They are more committed knowing fully well that their family members have been taken care of and that will translate to effectiveness in our operations.

    “I have gone round and seen so many things the NAF can make use of. One typical example is the shoes which are light and beautiful. I have directed the logistic branch to immediately discuss with the people making the shoes so that we can get it for all female officers and air women in the office.

    “Another thing I saw was the boots and all we need to do is to change the camouflage to the one that is approved for the Air Force and we can buy for our recruits that are training in Kaduna.

    “I have also directed the AOC Logistics Command to discuss with those that are making the aluminum fabrication so that we can use the aluminum fabricated by these people. I urge the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunities availed them to change society.”

    Mrs. Ambode said  the initiative would bring stability in the lives of the beneficiaries and would have multiplier effect.

    According to her, no one should shy away from the fact that the country was still struggling with issues of unemployment and under employment, despite determined efforts by governments at all level.

    She said: “The best thing that can happen to our youths and others in need of jobs, is a programme like this, that brings succour and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.

    “Gainful employment is not limited to wage-paying jobs alone. Skills acquired that guarantee regular income are also good employment types. In many cases, some skis bring more financial rewards depending on the commitment and enterprise of the individual.

    A personal business gives you the leverage to dictate your pace of operation, ensuring amole time and financial freedom for the entrepreneur. In the light of all these, being empowered with a skill is a great opportunity, capable of transforming the life of anyone.

    “I am impressed with the vision of NAFOWA, which centres around making life more meaningful for the less privileged, especially women and children. This is a commendable commitment to the cause of humanity. I appeal to the beneficiaries to see this as a golden opportunity to turn things around for their own permanent good and lasting enjoyment.”

    In her welcome address, NAWOFA President, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar said the completion of the fourth skills acquisition programme was another hallmark in the association’s achievements, adding that 600 persons have benefited from the scheme in less than a year.

    She said: “This is another hallmark in the achievements of NAFOWA in our quest to serve humanity better, empower the less privilege and carryout meaningful programmes that add value to human existence. By doing this, we hope to contribute our quota to the federal government’s effort at reducing unemployment amongst our youths and women.

    “We also hope to build capacity amongst the participants by widening their horizon and giving then the necessary skills to be able to cater for themselves through setting up small businesses that are in much demand in this society.

    “I can say we have been highly successful in our endeavour. Previous trainings done across the country and activities of daily living in different barracks have shown that certain trades and occupation are in high demand such as confectionery, computer services, cable television installation, shoe making and repairs, tailoring and make-up artistry.

    “Our experiences have proven that these trades are easily converted to cash making and sustainable enterprises as almost every resident is in need of one of the services or the other. That’s why we focused our attention on these trades.

    “The students have worked so hard and perfected their skills in different trades. They are determined to forge a brighter future for themselves and they deserve our encouragement and support.

    “NAFOWA has been busy carrying out different humanitarian activities and projects that add value and build capacity. We have visited hospitals, where we identified with young girls and ladies with VVF. We have visited many IDP camps and have also carried out similar skills acquisition programmes at NAF bases in Makurdi, Maiduguri and Kaduna where we have trained over 600 participants. We are on our way to Port Harcourt for a similar endeavour.

    “We have built a new state-of-the-art primary school in Kaduna and expanded and renovated existing structures in Abuja and Lagos… Some of our activities are generous supported by the personnel of the NAF through voluntary donations in cash and kind. They have really demonstrated a great resolve in exploring a better civil-military relationship as a way of achieving lasting peace.”

     

  • 175,000 pupils benefit from Ambode’s wife educational kits

    175,000 pupils benefit from Ambode’s wife educational kits

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Monday commenced the distribution of 175,000 educational kits, consisting of school shoes and socks to children across the State public primary schools.

    Speaking at the Central Primary School, Oba Akinjobi Ikeja, one of the venues slated for the distribution exercise, Mrs. Ambode also renewed her call to parents and well-meaning Lagosians to pay adequate attention to the welfare of school pupils in the State.

    The distribution was being done by her pet project, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, (HOFOWEM).

    The Foundation had in September last year launched “ Project Bright Steps’’ for public school pupils in Lagos State, during which Mrs. Ambode promised to distribute 175,000 school shoes and socks, to children in Primary 1-3 in Lagos State public primary schools.

    Addressing journalists, Mrs. Ambode said, “You remember that when we launched “Project Bright Steps” for school pupils in September last year, I promised that HOFOWEM will distribute to all pupils in primary 1-3 in Lagos State primary schools. The total being 175,000 pupils and the distribution is what we are doing in five centres across Lagos beginning from today.

    “Other major distribution Centres cover all the five Education Districts, They are: Agege LGA Secretariat; St Agnes Nursery and Primary school complex, Maryland; Education District 4, Yaba; LGEA Secretariat, Ojo; and LGEA Secretariat,  City Hall (Holy Cross).”

    She appealed to the pupils to listen attentively in class; dress neat and smart to school; read their books; obey and respect their teachers; to always wash their hands and not join bad gangs. She prayed for God’s guidance and protection at all times.

    Speaking further, the HOFOWEM founder, Mrs. Ambode recalled that during the launch of the project, she had promised to make the shoe and socks distribution to the pupils an annual event.

    She emphasized that the project was motivated by her love for children and desire to see them decently kitted for school to boost their self-confidence and overall performance.

    According to her, “Properly equipping our children for school plays a great role in boosting their confidence level, morale, concentration and overall performance.’’

    She reiterated that well-meaning members of the society must continue to rise to the responsibility to ensure the future leaders of the nation have all the support in preparing them to fulfill their purpose just as he emphasized that wearing shoes is not a luxury, but a necessity.

    Mrs. Ambode further promised that her foundation would continue to do all within its powers to put smiles on the faces of the pupils to compliment the efforts of the state government.

  • Embrace healthy lifestyle, Ambode’s wife charges pregnant women

    Embrace healthy lifestyle, Ambode’s wife charges pregnant women

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode on Wednesday urged pregnant women to complement the efforts of government at achieving zero infant maternal mortality rate by embracing healthy and hygienic lifestyle, just as she urged them to get proper advice and direction on basic ante and post -natal care for themselves and their infants.

    Mrs. Ambode, who spoke at a programme of support for pregnant women organized by Hope for Women In Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), which is her pet project, said often times infants are at risk of infections, diarrhea, poor growth and many common diseases associated with un-hygienic habits, and as such expectant mothers must make hygienic living a habit such as simple washing of hands constantly.

    Speaking at the programme tagged “Hope for Expectant Mothers,” Mrs Ambode said: “The act of washing hands is so simple yet we do not see it as a game changing solution. They are so elementary that we frequently forget they can save lives. Basic personal hygiene and good sanitary conduct begins with hand-washing.

    “So it is an important message to take home for the young ones. Let them know the many benefits of that simple act. Tell them it prevents infections, keeps them neat, keeps them healthy and happy all the time.

    “Even as mothers, always wash your own hands not only when you have visited the toilet but before cooking, serving food or attending to your infants. This way, many unnecessary illnesses for the child or mother would be prevented. As women, we have a key role to play in the health-for-all aspiration of the Lagos State Government. We must play our role effectively to help government achieve zero infant and maternal mortality rate,” the Wife of the Governor said.

    Speaking on her passion for women and children, Mrs Ambode said her vision was to transform their lives, put smiles on their faces, give them hope and make life more meaningful for them.

    “This event is significant for me as a mother, a parent and as a Nigerian. The programme is not just about supporting good hygiene and healthy habits during pregnancy and after delivery, but it is also about safeguarding the future of our children right from infancy,” she said.

    She added that in the few years, the State had witnessed significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rate, attributing same to adequate ante and post natal care and the State Government’s continuous improvement on health facilities, constant re-training of medical personnel and provision of modern equipment including the regular supply of mosquito nets.

    HOFOWEM is a foundation established with the intention of uplifting the welfare of widows, children and aged women.

    At the event held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, a total of about 230 pregnant women were given complete delivery packs which included baby and mother beds, sanitary pad, towel, beverages, thermometer, shawl, diapers, breastfeeding net, traveling bed, sanitizers, among others.

    The beneficiaries, drawn from all parts of the State, were also lectured by experts on how to achieve safe delivery and other issues relating to healthy living.

    Earlier, HOFOWEM Coordinator, Ms Oyefunke Adeleke thanked Mrs. Ambode for being a permanent fountain of kindness to women and children in the State, adding that the programme was one of the numerous initiatives aimed at significantly helping women and children.

  • Ambode’s wife cautions against domestic, sexual violence

    Ambode’s wife cautions against domestic, sexual violence

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Wednesday urged community leaders and members of the society to rise up against domestic and sexual violence, just as she said that people must be made to be aware of the heavy punishment for perpetrators of such crime.

    Mrs. Ambode, who spoke in Ikorodu at a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) in partnership with the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotebi, said community leaders must spread the message to prevent the crime, adding that such was necessary to combat the menace and discourage people from indulging in it.

    The wife of the Governor, who was represented by Mrs. Titilayo Ogunlewe, wife of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, commended DSVRT for being at the vanguard of the fight against the crime, but reiterated the fact that Rape and Defilement carry life imprisonment, whilst domestic violence and child abuse are all crimes committed against the State.

    She said: “It is also important to sensitise members of the public on the impact these crimes can have on the victim, understanding the multiple effects on the victim, immediate family and the community. If members of the society are aware of their roles and responsibilities, more victims would be willing to come forward and therefore help in ensuring perpetrators are brought to book.”

    The town hall meeting, which took place at the Palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, was said to be in line with the mandate and commitment of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to combat all forms of domestic and sexual violence crimes.

    The theme of the Town Hall Meeting was: The Role of the Society in Tackling Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

    Earlier in her welcome remarks, DSVRT Coordinator, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the meeting was in clear response to the reprehensible trend where victims of SGBV are ostracized and harassed by the community because they reported the crime.

    She disclosed that there have been instances where the victims have been pressurized by the society to settle out of court.

    According to her, “The strategic initiative taken by the DSVRT is to embark on grassroots sensitisation campaigns which aim to enlighten key stakeholders and influencers within the society on the right steps to take in response to an incidence SGBV.”

    On his part, Oba Shotebi harped on the important role of the society, which can be summarised as report the act, protect the victim, encourage justice and shame the perpetrator.

    The monarch sounded a clear warning that the culture of stigmatisation would no longer be tolerated, just as he said that such was of utmost importance as recent statistics revealed an increase in the reporting of these incidents in Ikorodu area and its environs.
    The contact details of relevant agencies in Ikorodu was given out and victims of Sexual Assault were advised to go to Primary Health Care Centres in Ikorodu as Health Workers had recently been trained on sexual assault management and equipped with Rape kits and cost of laboratory testing had been provided for by the State Government.

    The meeting had all the relevant stakeholders in attendance namely officers of National Union Road Transport Workers, Market Men and Women, artisans, the Nigeria Police, Faith Based Organisations, Community Development Associations, Vigilante groups, Landlord and Tenant Associations, Sole Administrators of the Local Government, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, school children drawn from both public and private schools and the media.

    Dignitaries that attended the town hall meeting included Mrs Ambode, Senator representing Lagos East at the upper legislative chamber, Gbenga Ashafa; Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and a member of the Assembly from Ikorodu, Hon. Nurudeen Saka, among others.

  • Ambode’s wife tasks civil servants on dedication to duty

    Ambode’s wife tasks civil servants on dedication to duty

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Tuesday enjoined civil servants in the state to imbibe the culture of strong personal discipline, focus, perseverance, drive, determination to excel and dedication to duty, just as she said such would go a long way in taking them to the peak of their career and enhance public service delivery.

    Mrs. Ambode, who spoke at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja during the conferment of Common Wealth Outstanding Service Award to the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde, said the feat was an eloquent confirmation of productive years and decades of diligence and hard work which the awardee put to the State’s civil service.

    Dr. Sodeinde, who is the first woman to be conferred with the award in Nigeria after the likes of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and General Yakubu Gowon, was said to have been honoured for her selfless service to humanity and high sense of dedication to duty.

    In her goodwill message, Mrs. Ambode said the international recognition was instructive as it would spur younger generation of public servants to put in their best to excel, adding that it was important for people to understand that only dedication and hard work could guaranty excellence and ensure the attainment of the peak of one’s chosen career.

    “Dr. (Mrs.) Ibironke Sodeinde is an admirable and outstanding civil servant, who put in the very best into her public service career, to reach the apex. As officer, she gave hard work; as director and Permanent Secretary, she gave direction and effective leadership.

    “Everyone wishes and prays to be celebrated this way, but this sort of recognition requires more than prayer. It requires strong personal discipline, focus, perseverance, drive and a determination to excel, all of which Dr. Sodeinde epitomizes.

    “The conferment of the Common Wealth Outstanding Service Award on this exceptional civil servant is a testimony to her possession of those qualities that distinguish her for distinction,” Mrs. Ambode said.

    Dr. Sodeinde, who officially bowed out of service on June 3, 2016 has held several positions in the Lagos State Civil Service until her appointment in August 2015 by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, and later redeployed as Permanent Secretary in charge of PHCB.

    Responding after the conferment of the award, Dr. Sodeinde thanked God and Governor Ambode for giving her the opportunity to attain the peak of her career as civil servant just one year before her retirement, saying the promotion contributed towards the award.

    She commended Governor Ambode for the wonderful transformation that had taken place in the State since assuming office, saying such was unprecedented and could be attributed to the grace of God and commitment to serve selflessly by the Governor and his team.