The Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has reaffirmed his administrationโs commitment to women empowerment, healthcare awareness and community development as the council successfully hosted its 2026 Women Symposium and Empowerment Programme in Badagry, Lagos State.
The programme, held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Golden Rock Event Centre beside GBAS Shopping Complex, Awkuzu Bus Stop, Ilado, attracted hundreds of women, community leaders, government officials and stakeholders from across Olorunda LCDA.
The symposium, themed โHealthy Women, Healthy Families, Thriving Communities,โ was organised to promote womenโs health awareness, preventive healthcare practices, family welfare and economic empowerment within the council area.
The event was chaired by Mrs. Folashade Kofoworola Ajose, wife of the Executive Chairman, who described women as the backbone of every progressive society.
Addressing participants during her speech, Mrs. Ajose said the symposium was designed to provide women with opportunities to learn, interact, share experiences and strengthen networks that would enhance personal and collective development.
She noted that women continue to play vital roles in governance, business, education, healthcare, family life and community advancement, stressing that healthy women remain the foundation of healthy families and thriving communities.
According to her, the administration of Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon has continued to prioritize women inclusion and empowerment through programmes such as COWLSO, National Women Conference participation and the upgrading of the Skills Acquisition Centre at Ibereko.
She also encouraged women to prioritize regular medical checkups and make use of Primary Healthcare Centres across the LCDA for quality healthcare services.
Speaking during his keynote address, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon described the gathering as a strategic platform aimed at improving womenโs health, economic relevance and social well-being.
The council boss stressed that meaningful investment in womenโs health, education and empowerment remains an investment in societal progress and sustainable development.
He further encouraged women, particularly the younger generation, to embrace digital and entrepreneurial opportunities such as content creation, social media marketing and online businesses to improve family welfare and achieve financial independence.
Hon. Kumayon also highlighted several empowerment initiatives already undertaken by his administration through the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Department, including the distribution of sewing machines, refrigerators, pepper milling machines, hairdressing equipment and vocational training support.
He disclosed that the Skills Acquisition Centre at Ibereko has continued to provide women and youths with entrepreneurial and vocational skills needed for self-reliance.
The symposium featured lectures delivered by Professor Khadijah Olaniyan Shobowale of Lagos State University, who spoke extensively on women and children empowerment, while Mrs. Janet Osafehinti, Matron of LASU Badagry Campus, delivered lectures on healthy living for women.
One of the major highlights of the event was the empowerment distribution where several women benefited from deep freezers, chest freezers, big generators, cooking gas cylinders, bags of rice, beans and garri, solar fans, cooking utensils, table-top cookers, soft drinks and other household support items.
Cash gifts were equally distributed to some beneficiaries, while raffle draws were conducted inside the hall to select winners of several empowerment items.
Cultural performances, exhibitions from the Skills Acquisition Centre and other entertainment activities also added glamour to the event.
Among dignitaries present at the programme were the Vice Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Bolaji Adele Solomon and his wife; wives of the Chairmen of Badagry LGA and Badagry West LCDA, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Hunpe and Mrs. Yemeren; Hon. Idowu Abimbola, Commissioner IV, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission; Hon. Yahaya Lateef, Commissioner II, Civil Service Commission; Hon. Akinyele Cornelius, Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Special Duties and Civic Engagement; Alhaja Kuburat, Supervisor for WAPA; Hon. Bolaji Oke, Deputy Leader of the House; Hon. Alice Ambe, Council Treasurer; market leaders and other distinguished guests.
The council chairman used the opportunity to appeal to residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, especially as the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, emphasizing that cleanliness remains essential for healthy living and sustainable community development.
