Wives of Executive Chairmen in Ikorodu Division, yesterday played host to their colleagues from the Lagos State Council Chairmen’s Wives Association (LASCCWA) for her Annual Conference and Empowerment Program.
The 2-in-1 conference which held at the West End Hall within the premises of Ikorodu West LCDA Secretariat also featured empowerment support for women and school children across the six council areas in the Division.
Wives of council Chairmen, otherwise known as Chairpersons across the 57 Local Council Areas in Lagos State graced the annual general meeting.
Mrs Folashade Banjo, wife of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA who welcomed their colleagues on behalf of the Chairpersons of Ikorodu Local Government Council expressed immense pride and profound gratitude to wives of other Council Chairman in attendance for choosing to host the event in Ikorodu.
‘As members of Lagos-State
Council Chairmen Wives Association (LASCCWA), we stand together, united by a shared vision to empower and uplift women and children-the very heartbeat of our society’.
‘We have focused this year’s conference on empowering market women and secondary school children. This is both timely and impactful’, she noted.
Speaking further, she said, ‘The United Nations reminds us that “empowering women is key to building
Stronger economies and achieving internationally agreed upon goals.” As mothers and care-givers, we carry a sacred responsibility to nurture the seeds of tomorrow’s greatness- children, and the pillars of our economy-the market women’.
In the same vein, wife of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mrs Bolanle Adeshina commended the visionary leadership of the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on whose leadership the vision of the LASCCWA is built upon.
She noted that, her unwavering commitment to Women’s
Empowerment, Maternal and Child Health, and Education provides a powerful foundation for the work of
LASCCWA. Initiatives like the Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) program to her campaigns advocating for gender equality continues to inspire them all to strive for a better Lagos.
‘Her efforts to equip women with the tools for financial independence and her advocacy for education
and mentorship for young girls mirror our collective mission. When we empower a woman, we empower
a family and, by extension, an entire community’, she submitted.
The body also shed a spotlight on the impactful contributions of the wives of the local council Chairmen, which includes donation of school chairs and tables to public schools, providing a conducive learning environment for students. Provision of school uniforms, books, and school bags to support children in need and alleviate the burden on their families.
They also include, women empowerment through the distribution of deep freezers, grinding machines, and other tools, fostering economic
independence among vulnerable members of our communities.
The commendable collective efforts of Lagos State Council Chairman Wives further underscore the power of unity and collaboration in transforming the grassroots and, by extension, Lagos State.
Other LASCCWA leaders from Ikorodu Division at the conference include, Mrs. Folashade Sulaimon (Chairperson, Ikorodu West LCDA); Mrs. Folashade Banjo (Chairperson, Ikorodu North LCDA); Mrs. Maureen Daini (Chairperson, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA); and Mrs. Funmilayo Agoro (Chairperson, Imota LCDA)
Earlier, Dr. Agbolagorite Olurotimi, Vice-Chairman of the TB Steering Committee, raised awareness on tuberculosis elimination in rural areas. He highlighted strategies to eradicate tuberculosis and stressed the need for proactive community health measures towards combating the negative trends.
‘The fight against tuberculosis begins with awareness. We must collectively work towards eliminating this disease in Lagos State’ Dr. Olurotimi urged.
A major highpoint of the conference was the distribution of cash gifts, grinding machines and deep freezers to indigent women and widows.
Similarly, essential school items like chairs, tables, uniforms and notebooks were distributed to selected public schools in the Division.
Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, commended LASCCWA’s initiative by describing it as transformative and timely.
‘This program focuses on the growth and development of schools and communities. I commend my wife and the other council first ladies for their efforts, which transcend titles and create legacies future generations will cherish’, Hon. Adesina stated.
‘Students should concentrate on their studies because readers are leaders. This initiative will greatly benefit the Ikorodu Division’, he added.
Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju praised the dedication of the council Chairpersons to the grassroots.
‘The contributions of LASCCWA reflect their unwavering commitment to uplifting the vulnerable in our communities. Their efforts will foster a healthier and more supportive environment’, he stated.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba expressed her passion for education and development.
‘By equipping students and empowering women, we are building a brighter future for our communities. Education and empowerment are fundamental to societal progress’, she noted.
Executive Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Bldr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo applauded LASCCWA for their inclusivity and vision.
‘Behind every successful man is a strong woman. The dedication shown by our Council Chairmen’s wives today exemplifies this truth. Their initiatives will strengthen families and communities’, he remarked.
Some of the beneficiaries of the empowerment support spoke to Ikorodu Oga Radio.
Mrs. Charles Olayinka, who received a cash gift, expressed gratitude, saying the support would assist her family navigate the current economic challenges.
Agbaje Yetunde who received the support of a deep freezer, described the gesture as a great leap for her new business.
Mrs. Adeyemi Oluwaseyi, a teacher at C&S Primary School, expressed appreciation on behalf of her school for the provision of school materials, noting that the items would enhance the students’ learning experience.