Wife of the Governor of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has empowered 500 women and vulnerable persons across Okunland with cash grants of ₦50,000 each.
The First Lady also distributed food items and wrappers to beneficiaries drawn
from the five Local Government Areas in Okunland during the support and empowerment programme held in Kabba.
Speaking at the event, Hajia Sefinat Ododo acknowledged the socio-economic challenges many women face in supporting their families and sustaining their livelihoods.
She stated that the Office of the First Lady remains committed to interventions that positively impact the lives of women, widows, and other vulnerable groups, enabling them to improve their businesses, cater for their families, and attain greater economic self-reliance.
Mrs Ododo noted that women are critical stakeholders in community development and nation-building, stressing that empowering them is essential to reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of families.
The First Lady called on women across the state to continue supporting government programmes and policies at both the state and national levels. According to her, the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to implementing people-oriented programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of citizens across Kogi State.
“Our women are hardworking and resilient. When we support them, we strengthen homes, build stronger communities, and create opportunities for sustainable development. This empowerment programme is our way of giving hope and helping our women achieve greater economic stability,” she said.
Hajia Sefinat Ododo further urged women to continue promoting peace and raising disciplined and morally upright children.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the cash grants and food items provided to them.
She also appealed to the people of Okunland to sustain their support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that the government remains focused on delivering good governance and expanding opportunities for citizens across the state.
The First Lady expressed confidence that the reforms and programmes of the Federal Government would continue to yield positive results and improve the lives of Nigerians.
In her welcome address, the Wife of the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and spokesperson for the Forum of Wives of Local Government Executive Chairmen in Kogi West Senatorial District, Mrs Grace Dare, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for bringing the Women Support and Empowerment Programme to Okun land.
Mrs Dare described the initiative as a reflection of the First Lady’s vision for inclusive development and her commitment to uplifting disadvantaged members of society.
“Your Excellency’s presence among us today is not merely a visit; it is a powerful demonstration of compassion in action and a reaffirmation of your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Through this programme, you are not only providing support to vulnerable women and petty traders but also restoring hope, renewing dignity, and creating pathways for sustainable economic advancement,” she stated.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
They pledged to make effective use of the support received and commended her for remembering women and vulnerable groups during a period of economic challenges.
Earlier, Hajia Sefinat Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, where she reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to supporting traditional institutions as vital partners in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development.
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