COWLSO HOLDS PRE-NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AWARENESS WALK IN BADAGRY
… Visits Two COWLSO Elders, Tours Historical Monuments
The ancient town of Badagry, on Tuesday, played host to the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as she led members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) on an Awareness Walk ahead of the 24th edition of the annual National Women’s Conference (NWC). The theme for this year’s conference is “Soar Beyond Boundaries… Enrich Communities”.
Joined by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and the Chairperson of the 2024 NWC Planning Committee, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, the First Lady engaged women in Badagry, sensitising them about the upcoming conference scheduled for next Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September, 2024.
The Awareness Walk began at the historic First Storey Building, proceeded to the Agia Tree, and concluded at the Vlekete Slave Market, covering key historical landmarks in Badagry.
During the walk, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of recognising women who have made significant contributions to their communities, drawing inspiration from the biblical figure of Esther.
She praised the women of Badagry for their resilience, hospitality and dedication to community development. “The residents of Badagry showed great enthusiasm as they welcomed the COWLSO delegation, reinforcing the message of empowerment, unity, and collective growth”, she stated.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu expressed her gratitude to the Chairmen of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Adeniran Olusegun Onilude and Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Gbenu Joseph, for their warm reception and unwavering support during the visit. She also thanked Ovi Manuel Kuponu II (Personal Channel) for moderating the session at the First Storey Building, as well as everyone involved in making the Awareness Walk a success.
The COWLSO delegation made a special visit to two matriarchs of Badagry: Mrs. Cecilia Modupe Whenu, the wife of the late former Chairman of Badagry Local Government, and Alhaja Kikelomo Ladipo, the current Apex Women Leader. Both women were celebrated for their enduring contributions to women’s empowerment and human rights advocacy.
Alhaja Ladipo, visibly moved by the visit, expressed her deep appreciation, saying: “I am deeply humbled and grateful to Her Excellency and COWLSO for this unexpected honour. This recognition is a testament to the collective hard work and dedication of the women of the Badagry Federation, and I pledge to continue working tirelessly for their empowerment and upliftment”.
Mrs. Cecilia Modupe Whenu, who was emotionally overwhelmed, said: “This year marks the fifth year since I lost my dear husband, and this visit serves as a ‘bittersweet’ reminder of his legacy. I urge Your Excellency to consider more opportunities for Badagry, particularly for our youth, who are the future leaders of our community. With your support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people”.