COWLSO launches empowerment programme for vulnerable women, youths

In a determined effort to boost economic empowerment and bring relief to families across Lagos State, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has donated empowerment tools to some vulnerable women and youths.

The initiative, tagged the “Sanwo-Olu Era” Empowerment Programme, was held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, as part of activities marking the 25th Anniversary of the COWLSO National Women’s Conference (NWC).

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, explained that the empowerment programme reflects COWLSO’s longstanding commitment to supporting residents through charitable initiatives that complement government’s development agenda.

According to her, the 25th anniversary celebration was uniquely structured into distinct “eras”, namely the Mobolaji Johnson Era (Military), Tinubu Era, Fashola Era, Ambode Era, and the Sanwo-Olu Era, each marked with projects designed to positively impact the lives of Lagosians.

The First Lady emphasized that beneficiaries also received training on financial literacy and cyber security to strengthen their businesses and overall financial wellbeing.

“These beneficiaries were carefully selected from all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State. Economic empowerment remains a core mandate of COWLSO, as we seek to provide platforms for residents to thrive, become self-reliant, and contribute productively to society,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.

She, however, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the tools, urging them instead to put them to productive use for the sustainable growth of their businesses. She assured that COWLSO would continue to monitor their progress and provide the necessary support.

The First Lady reaffirmed COWLSO’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development, particularly in advancing the welfare of women and young people through impactful programmes.

The empowerment tools given to the beneficiaries includes: laptops, deep freezers, sewing machines, industrial ovens, professional cameras, generators, mobile phones, makeup kits, and pedicure sets, among others,

The event was graced by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, development partners, and executives of COWLSO, among other distinguished guests.