AMBODE, COWLSO, INSTRUMENTAL TO EMERGENCE OF LAKE RICE - ALH. ATIKU BAGUDU

Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (2nd right) supported by Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left) & his wife and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle (L); and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Arinola Oluwo (r), to present Certificate of Appreciation to the CEO Emzor Pharm. Company, Dr. Stella Okoli OON (m), as a friend of COWLSO, during the closing ceremony of their 18th National Women’s Conference, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites

kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu today said that the emergence of LAKE Rice would not have been possible without  Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, supported by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO.

Bagudu spoke at the closing ceremony of the three-day 18thNational Women’s Conference, organized by COWLSO, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (3rd left) & his wife, Zainab (2nd left); Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th left) & his wife and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle (4th right); Deputy Governor, Mrs. Idiat Oluranti Adebule (3rd right);  wife of the APC State chairman, Alhaja Tolani Balogun (2nd right); and CEO. Emzor Pharm. Company, Dr. Stella Okoli OON (r) 

He said the partnership between Kebbi and Lagos had helped to improve the economy of Lagos and Nigeria in terms of local production of rice.

“Without Ambode, there will not have been LAKE Rice. The significant of LAKE Rice was that it encouraged a revival of ‘I can do it spirit,” he submitted.

He said the emergence of LAKE Rice had help the nation to reduce the importation of rice by 90 percent, as captured by President Muhammadu Buhari recently when he met the British Prime Minister, Theresa May.

“Without Ambode, we won’t have been able to do that and that was because he got the support of his wife, who is the Chairman of COWLSO. His wife supported the idea and that was why it was successful,” he said.

Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (2nd right) supported by Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left) & his wife and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle (L); and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Arinola Oluwo (r), to present Certificate of Appreciation to the MD. Eko Hotels, Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou (m), as a friend of COWLSO

Bagudu, however, said COWLSO had done tremendously well by organizing the conference over the years in order to reposition women and take them to an enviable position in the society, adding that he was impressed that women in Lagos could take time off their busy schedule, to gather in a place to network and educate themselves on issues that affected women and society.

In his remark, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode commended COWLSO for organizing the annual event, saying that his wife, Bolanle had been able to take the committee to a higher level than she met it.

The governor said he had no doubt that the three-day programme provided opportunities for networking and education among the women, adding that the opportunity to be part of the conference was a privilege that came with responsibilities.

“You have a responsibility to share your experience with others around you. This is the only way you can deepen what you have learnt at the programme. Government will give attention to the recommendation in the communiqué,” he promised.

Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (5th right); Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (m) & his wife and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle (5th left); Deputy Governor, Mrs. Idiat Oluranti Adebule (4th right); wife of fmr. governor, Mrs. Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu (3rd right); APC Lagos women Leader, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas (2nd right); rep of HOS, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun (r); APC South-West Women Leader, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson (3rd left); rep. of Senator Remi Tinubu OON (2nd left); and rep. of the wife of the governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi (L)

In her speech, wife of the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, urged the 3,000 participants at the conference, to reflect the knowledge acquired in all personal endeavours, and also try to pass on the knowledge to achieve desired impact on society.

She said in one of the papers, titled “Successful Marriage needs, Passion and Perseverance,” women were told to define their preferences in life and ensure that the partners they chose shared much of their personal perspective and worldview, adding that perseverance, interaction and communication, played vital roles in the success of marriages.

She further said in another topic on “Strengthening our Collective Impact: Parenting Digital Kids,” the speaker addressed how parents could protect their children from the harmful side-effects of technology and how they could insulate them from digital explosion, so that they could make responsible choices in life.

According to her, the speaker was quick to point out the fact that while the goal of parenting remained the same, methods and approaches of training children must change, stressing that entirely disconnecting children from the digital world might be counter-productive, and giving them unfettered access to every digital content might also be counter-productive.

“There is the need to ensure that our children acquire relevant skills, so as to make balanced adjustments. The speaker noted further that there has been a major erosion of core values and therefore encouraged participants, to stick to enduring values and identity,” she said.

However, a communiqué issued at the end of the three-day conference and read by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the conference resolved that women should acquire necessary skills to live desired life; be brave, conquer fear of failure;       have the ability to recover from issues of life; choose their priorities for success; acquire propelling purpose needed for success; be passionate about what they were convinced about and have the right attitude for a successful marriage, the choice of man and family and by defining their goals which should be shared by their partners.

The communique also noted the need to establish process of communication and interaction in marriage and develop perseverance by uniquely developing one’s will power; while women should begin to plan for their retirement by assessing the situation, as well as seek advice from professionals.

The communiqué further charged women to invest and save on regular basis but that they should never put their eggs in one basket, while encouraging them to speak out and seek help when in abusive relationship or see others being abused, as well as know their rights under the law.

Paul Blog

Expect A Fantastic Cowlso Conference, ...Bolanle Ambode Assures Women

AgegePulse Magazine

The wife of Lagos State governor and chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, Bolanle Ambode, has given assurance that the 18thnational women’s conference of the committee, will be better than the previous editions.

She spoke in her office at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, while giving some insight into the level of preparation for the three-day conference, holding from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday, 25th October, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

Mrs. Ambode noted that the conference theme ‘Strengthening Our Collective Impact’, would focus on the advantages derivable when women act together, as against when they act individually.  



According to her, ‘This theme 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’.

‘When we come together and collaborate, whether in government establishments, privately owned businesses, NGOs or wherever we find ourselves, we tend to achieve significant lasting social change that will be beneficial to all. We have unique powers of being able to look at problems and come up with solutions that would transform lives and make the world a better place’.

Speaking further, the chairman of COWLSO stated that the conference would be declared open by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and declared closed by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, adding that major highlights would come up as usual, including the fun-filled gala nite on day two of the conference, where lots of mouth watering prizes would be won.


She disclosed that free transportation had been provided from the conference venue to Yaba, Ketu, Oshodi, Mile 12, Ojo, Agege, Ojodu-Berger, Iyana-Ipaja, Ikorodu and Lekki-Ajah, for the convenience of participants, on day two which is the gala nite.

Shedding some light on the resource side of the conference, she listed topics for discussion to include: ‘Vulnerable but not Defenceless; ‘Hazards of Teenage Pregnancy’and ‘Life of Purpose – Navigating Aspects of Life Successfully’, to be examined by seasoned facilitators like Dr. Veronica Ayo Iwayemi, Folashade Adetiba and Omotola Rotimi among others.


She added that one of the major highlights of the three-day conference, is the inspirational woman of the year award, often given to a woman of impact, generally acknowledged in the society, and certificates of appreciation would also be given to individuals and organizations for their long-standing partnership and support for COWLSO.


In addition to a live-streaming of the conference according to her, non-participants could follow the programme onwww.lagosonline.tv; www.facebook.com/followlasg; twitter handle- @followlasg and You Tube.com/lasgpage.



The national women’s conference is organized once every year by COWLSO.



Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.)

Director Public Affairs

Office of the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State

COWLSO DONATES TWO INCUBATOR AMBULANCE TO GBAGADA, ISLAND MATERNITY HOSPITALS

…As Ambode’s Wife Restates Commitment To Zero Infant Mortality

AgegePulse Magazine

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Wednesday said that no effort would be spared, to achieve zero infant mortality in the State.



She made the commitment during the donation of two transport incubator ambulance to Gbagada General Hospital and Lagos Island Maternity, by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), as part of their health intervention project for this year.



A transport incubator ambulance is specially designed to transport ‘pre-mature’ babies to standard medical facilities, equipped with Intensive Care Unit (ICU).



She said that members of the Committee were touched by the high mortality rate of pre-term babies, occurring before they could access intensive care.



The transport incubators according to her would provide a womb-like environment for the baby, with the right temperature and life-saving gadgets, to help the newborn hang unto life till it gets to the ICU.



She said, “The special ambulance can also be used to convey infants with severe post birth complications and others in serious emergency situations. The women of COWLSO reckon that with this intervention, many more newborns, infants and children in Lagos State, will be saved from avoidable deaths with attendant happiness to their parents”.



The Committee also donated two hearing defect management equipment, Portable Otoread OAEs, to Alimosho and Shomolu General Hospitals, also as part of their intervention effort.



Speaking further, she observed that COWLSO was constrained to continue its previous intervention in early detection and management of hearing defects, because of the serious consequences of hearing loss in children.



She recalled that the Committee, two years ago had upgraded the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of the Lagos Island General Hospital, Odan, subsequently followed with the donation of Portable Otoread OAEs equipment to Badagry, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu and Gbagada General Hospital.



The objective, according to her, was to enable early screening of newborns for possible hearing defects, to eradicate the worrisome menace, which comes with a network of consequences like delayed language development, academic under performance, social isolation and higher risk injuries among others.



The Governor’s wife stressed that the incubator ambulance must be made available for use by other government hospitals.



In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that the Ambode Administration had always promoted the use of appropriate modern technology for delivery of qualitative and affordable healthcare to the people.



According to him, “the donation of Transport Incubator Ambulance to two State general hospitals will help to reduce the neo-natal morbidity and mortality indices of the state significantly”.



He commended the committee for their continual intervention in the healthcare sector, stressing that it had impacted lives, given hope to the downtrodden, empowered women and protected the environment in the State.



The Commissioner urged the lucky beneficiary hospitals, to make good and optimal use of the modern equipment, towards achieving the health objectives of the State Government.



Chairman of Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Aderiye, represented by Dr. Oluwole Tokunbo, commended COWLSO for the series of health interventions over the years.



The Medical Directors of Gbagada General Hospital and Lagos Island Maternity, Dr. Tayo Lawal and Dr. Muyiwa Eniayewun, unanimously thanked COWLSO for the kind humanitarian gesture, noting that it had closed the gap of challenges in the health sector, as it affects children.

COWLSO: Gov. Ambode Charges Women on Entrepreneurial Skills, Productiveness - AgegePulse

 Urges women not to be afraid of being more successful than  husbands

…Ambode’s infrastructural drive revolutionary, says Bindow

COWLSO urges govt to provide lands, grants for women in agri-business

The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) on Thursday concluded its three-day National Women Conference, with a charge on women to step up their entrepreneurial skills and not be afraid of being more successful than their spouses.

The Committee also urged women to take full advantage of the paradigm shift from Nigeria’s dependence on oil and explore the many opportunities available in the fast growing agricultural industry.

This was part of the 22-point communiqué reached at the conclusion of the Conference with the theme, “She Creates, She Transforms”, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and read by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

“Women were charged to step up and not be afraid of being more successful than their spouses and they must be willing to invest more to expand their pool of income,” the communiqué read in part.

The Conference also tasked women to embrace entrepreneurial disposition and also get more involved in animal husbandry because of their prudence and passion, in order to increase daily production in the country, while government should also provide lands and conducive environment for women farmers.

Besides, women were encouraged to help one another by introducing themselves to organizations where funds could be accessed such as Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN), Bank of Industry, among others.

“Women should be solution providers that are purpose-driven rather than looking for immediate financial profits. These give opportunities to contribute towards improving the society.

“The Conference reiterated that women must be empowered in order to take care of the family, community and the nation.

The conference also stressed the fact that women should be positively aggressive and assertive in order to contribute to the development of the nation,” the communiqué also read.

The Conference also appreciated the Lagos State Government for empowering women through its skill acquisition programme.

In her closing remarks, COWLSO Chairman and Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode said it was important for Nigerian women to understand that they are in a unique situation at this point in time, and must see the current reality in the country not as a hopeless situation but an opportunity for entrepreneurial ambition to make a positive impact in a challenging situation.

While making reference to one of the sessions at the conference which focused on agriculture, Mrs. Ambode said women should have good mentors, be consistent and persist in doing the right things, noting that challenges should be seen as mere stepping stones that do not kill.

She said: "I urge all participants to make the best use of all they learnt at the conference for their personal benefits. You should also please endeavour to pass on the knowledge acquired."
Declaring the conference closed, Adamawa State Governor, Senator Jubrilla Bindow, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the sterling performance of his counterpart in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in office so far, describing his infrastructural renewal efforts as unprecedented and revolutionary.

Bindow said Governor Ambode, through his brilliant works, had confirmed to Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was committed to bring about positive change in the country.
Bindow, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Martins Babale, said despite the complexities of governing a State with unique peculiarities like Lagos, Governor Ambode had performed creditably well in key sectors, adding that he was indeed proud to associate himself with the achievements, and described his counterpart as a worthy leader.

He said: “Let me end this short address by very sincerely commending my dear brother, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his sterling performance as the Governor of Lagos State. I know the complexities of governance especially in a highly urban and sophisticated setting like Lagos, but I also acknowledge that my brother has done wonderfully.

“I must say with Ambode’s performance here in Lagos and our achievements in transforming Adamawa State, our party, the APC has glaring signpost of positive change to showcase to Nigerians any day anytime.

“As if working as twins, both my humble self and Governor
Ambode have addressed infrastructure in a very revolutionary manner in our states. This is in addition to commitments in areas of education, health and human services. I am proud to associate myself with my brother the Governor of Lagos State and I am proud of him as a person and as a leader,” Bindow said.

He also commended COWLO leadership and members for coming up with the conference which focused on engaging women positively at a time when others were discussing hate speeches, saying that it was indeed gratifying that the conference deliberated on positive causes and promotion of values.

Earlier, Governor Ambode congratulated the over 2,500 participants at the conference for successfully undergoing three days of networking and experience, saying that from reports, the conference had been very intensive and knowledge-driven.

“We are looking forward to seeing more of this creative and transformative impact on women in Lagos State. Like I always say, our government will always be there to support you and help you to achieve your aspirations,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, the Governor encouraged women to key into the 22-point communiqué issued at the end of the conference with the view to positively making use of same for the overall benefit of themselves and the State.

Headline News - Agege Pulse

Agege Pulse Magazine...the mouthpiece of Agege/Orile Agege
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COWLSO KICKS OFF 2017 NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IN STYLE

...As dignitaries enjoin women on nation building, creativity

The virtues and relevance of women in nation building were unequivocally lauded by Nigeria's top dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the National Women's Conference, organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

In turns five Nigerian governors, including Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and wife of the Lagos State governor, Bolanle Ambode and the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osibanjo on Tuesday said for the nation to move forward women are key agents in driving the nation building agenda

The other Governors were Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking at the colourful gathering, Gov. Ambode said women were constantly creative; making something out of nothing.

Creativity has become very essential to succeed in todays world because we face new challenges everyday  at home and at work. As the woman creates and transforms, she positively impacts the family, the workplace and the nation.

With the female population in our country today, it is clear that our women have the capacity to positively affect the Nigerian economy and are already doing so. What is required is a deliberate and articulated policy to support female entrepreneurs and MSMEs. And from my experience, female entrepreneurs are outstanding business people who are very creative and hardworking. If you want a job done properly and delivered on time, give it to a woman, he said.

The governor emphasised that his administration remained committed to supporting female entrepreneurs, disclosing that through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, many female run Medium and Small Scale businesses had been funded, adding that as at September 2017, 2,613 female entrepreneurs had received a cumulative sum of N2.1 billion, which he said represented 42% of the total loans disbursed but that governments target was to ensure that at least 60% of the loans were given to women.

Moreover, Ambode encouraged more women to approach the Employment Trust Fund and also take advantage of the many initiatives from the Ministries of Wealth Creation and Women and Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, saying that supporting women businesses should no longer be seen as a social support or empowerment but as a necessary step to revive and improve the economy.

On his part, Gov. Emmanuel said women represent love, stressing that celebrating women should be a habit and not at an event as their rights were God-given, adding with love, women could actually create and transform the nation.

Edo Governor, Obaseki said his administration would continue to support the course of women in the area of entrepreneurship development.
Ekiti Governor, Ayodele Fayose emphasized that life without women would be one full of crises, saying that if women were put at the helms of affairs of the nation, they would turn things around.

We must encourage women, even in politics; women should not be second fiddle. When you conduct Local Government election, they should make it to be that when a woman scores 40 percent of the vote, they should be declared winner, he said.

In her welcome address, wife of the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, Mrs Bolanle Ambode said the theme of the conference, "She Creates, She Transforms," and with a theme thrust of "Creativity and Skill Acquisition," was expected to focus on ingenuity of the Nigerian women in the pursuit of innovative and practical solution aimed at achieving sustainable development within her immediate sphere and community at large.

"Women are uniquely created, endowed with skills and blessed with creativity. We are helpmates, we care for the family. We impact our immediate environment positively. The woman out of very little creates. We transform the little created to something bigger and better. Our transformation efforts extend to all facets of human engagement."

She listed some of the topics to be examined to include "Building a better World," "Women in Agriculture," "Women Empowerment-A Pathway to Development," and "Financing Option for Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises."

Mrs Ambode said women must rise and have zero tolerance for the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation, saying that the campaign must start from the homes, churches, mosques, offices, among others.

According to her, female gender mutilation is evil, it is evil, it is anti-social and unjustifiable. In fact, it is a crime against women. We must devote time for enlightenment and awareness, especially among uneducated mothers. We must stand together against it until the practice is totally eradicated in our country and the world."

Mrs Ambode said women must never fall to the temptation of pursuing economic empowerment at the expense of taking good care and paying attention to their children, warning that children, who did not enjoy good parental care, easily grow to potentially dangerous youths, who becomes nightmares for the society.

"We must desist from and discourage child-labour, Child Abuse and fight child-trafficking with all our strength. We owe it a duty to give good parenting to our children and indeed all other children put in our care. We must give them hope and allow them see the positive side of life as a way of bringing back good morals and societal stability," she said.

Declaring the conference open, Mrs Osinbajo challenged women to reflect on the past and to know where they were coming from and continue to create and transform the nation in all spheres of life.

She listed several women who had achieved greatness in the past, such as Funmilola Ransome-Kuti and challenged women to emulate their virtues.

She also charged women to speak out against rape and abuse; speak for the needy and speak in defence for the unity of Nigeria.

Major highlights of the opening ceremony was the launch of the COWLSO anthem- We are one, and the presentation of the inspirational woman of the year award to Engr. (Mrs.) Sandra Aguebor (MFR), aka Lady Mechanic.

COWLSO holds 17th edition, She Creates, She Transforms

Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO holds 17th edition as cream de la cream of Nigeria's society circle throng Eko Hotel and Suites to celebrate women.

Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dolapo Osinbajo, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and Goodwin Obaseki of Edo State, Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Idiat Adebule, TGPS Dr. Yinka Ayandele, first lady of Rivers State, Males and Females Lagos State officials.

Stay tune for updates on the colourful event.
Photo Credit: Agege Pulse Magazine

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