First Lady Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms COWLSO's Commitment to Vulnerable Children in Lagos
Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to supporting vulnerable children and underserved communities across the state. This declaration came during a significant event where COWLSO donated household and essential items valued at a substantial N60 million to 11 orphanage homes throughout Lagos.
Substantial Donation to Orphanage Homes
The donation, which represents the total cost of intervention and relief materials, was presented at the sixth edition of COWLSO's relief item presentation to orphanages. The event was held at the Banquet Hall of the First Lady's Office in Alausa, Ikeja. The items distributed included a wide range of essential goods such as Smart Televisions, Deep Freezers, Standing Fans, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Generators, Gas Cookers, Mattresses and Pillows, 5KVA Inverters, Big Canopies, as well as food items, beverages, toiletries, and soaps.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that these donations were not arbitrary but were carefully selected based on the identified needs of each orphanage home. The initiative is designed to address specific gaps, improve living conditions, enhance operational efficiency, and boost the overall well-being of the residents in these homes. Additionally, the donation included cheques intended for school support and the purchase of necessary medications for children in some of the orphanages.
Growth and Impact of the Initiative
Since its inception in 2020, this program has demonstrated remarkable growth and impact. Initially, the intervention started with a modest N5.5 million in 2020 and has expanded significantly to N60 million in 2026. This progression highlights the administration's increasing commitment to social welfare and inclusion. Over the years, COWLSO has visited and supported more than 70 orphanage homes through the provision of essential items and financial assistance, amounting to several millions of naira.
The First Lady noted that the initiative reflects compassion, unity, and the collective responsibility to care for the less privileged in society. She praised the dedication of the 33-member committee responsible for selecting the beneficiary homes. This committee, drawn from the five IBILE divisions—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos, and Epe—conducted a rigorous and transparent selection process based on structured assessments and critical evaluations of needs to ensure fairness and maximize impact.
Recognition and Future Commitments
Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the IBILE group heads and the central coordinating team, particularly highlighting the Coordinator, Mrs. Azeezat Ibijoke Tijani, and the Secretary, Mrs. Bukola Sarat Akinloye, for their commitment to the success of the initiative. She also applauded the caregivers and management of the orphanage homes for their selfless service, describing them as "builders of hope and shapers of the future."
Reaffirming COWLSO's dedication, the First Lady pledged continued investment in impactful and people-centered initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable residents across Lagos State. She further called on stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate in creating a more inclusive society where every child is valued and given the opportunity to thrive.
Beneficiary Orphanage Homes
The 11 orphanage homes that received the donated items are:
- Brainy Kid Foundation, Ipaja
- House of Mercy Children’s Home, Egbeda (under Ikeja Division)
- Poget Care Homes Foundation, Badagry
- Friends of Beth Torrey Home, Amuwo Odofin (under Badagry Division)
- Child of Life Line, Ikorodu
- Lagos State Government Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Majidun
- Shayofunmi Care Agency, Ikorodu West LCDA
- Echoes of Mercy and Hope Foundation, Maryland
- Street Child Care & Welfare, Yaba
- Cerebral Palsy Centre, Ibeju-Lekki
- Destiny Trust Homes, Bogije (under Ikorodu, Lagos, and Epe Divisions respectively)
