By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
Kogi State Government has solicited the support of women in its efforts towards fighting insecurity challenges in the State.
The appeal was made during a One-Day Workshop with the theme “Building Trust for a Renewed Hope” organized by the Office of the State Security Adviser in collaboration with Kogi Women Empowerment Coalition (KWEC) in Lokoja.
The training follows recent arrest of some women supplying ammunitions, food items and illicit drugs to bandits by Security Agencies in some parts of Kogi State.
This was part of the reasons the workshop was put in place to educate the women on their role in sustaining peace and nip crimes and criminality in the bud.
In his address, the State Security Adviser, Retired Commander Jerry Omodara stated that the training was organised to strengthen partnership between government and the grassroots, security agencies and community women to make the State safer.
Commander Omodara urged the women to caution their wards against sharing fake news and violence, especially now that the nation is preparing for the next general elections.
“You see, when we talk about security, people often think it is something that only soldiers or the police handle. But true security begins with you and me. It begins with the mothers who guide their children, the wives who encourage their husbands, and the women who speak up when something is not right in their communities.
“That is why this workshop is so important. We want to strengthen that partnership between government and the grassroots, between security agencies and community women, so that we can work hand in hand to make Kogi safer, stronger, and more united.
He commended the wife of the Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo for her constant commitment to the well being of women with advocacy for gender equality, campaign against drug abuse and women empowerment.
The Security Adviser urged them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and disregard Politicians that are out to destabilize the State.
The Wife of the Governor who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margret Salifu Oyibo described the workshop as timely and thoughtful, saying women play a unique role in nurturing peace in the family and society at large in view of their role as nation builders.
She said her office since the assumption of office of her husband, embarked on empowerment of women, sensitisation on dangers of drug abuse and advocacy against gender based violence in a bid to make the society a better place.
The Wife of the Governor praised the State Security Adviser and the Coalition for putting the programme in place, urging the women to spread the message of peace across the State.
On her part, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade described the workshop as a step in the right direction, commending the vision and commitment of the Security Adviser to protection of lives and property.
Earlier, the Regional Coordinator of KWEC, Dame Stella Bola Olobayotan enjoined the women to stand against any form of violence in their localities, saying their support for security Agencies will go a long way to make the State safer.
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