By Victoria Okpanachi
The Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has urged Nigerian women to champion peace and play a greater role in nation building as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Hajia Sefinat, made the call during the Independence Day event held recently, in Lokoja, where she said women had an important role to play in promoting unity, raising responsible citizens and contributing to the development of the nation.

The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Margaret Salifu, urged women to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders, while encouraging mothers to raise children who love their country, respect others, work hard and believe in the future of the nation.
She said Independence Day should go beyond celebration, urging citizens to reflect on their individual responsibilities towards nation-building and the values they pass on to the younger generation.
The first Lady commended the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly its focus on empowering women, supporting families and improving the wellbeing of children.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a reflection of resilience, unity and oneness.
Hon. Egwaba, reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to promoting peace and unity, while commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his role in promoting peace and thanked the governor for being an ambassador of peace across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Earlier in her remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi, urged women to remain committed to preserving peace in Kogi State and contribute to building a society where children can grow with hope and confidence in their future.
The commissioner emphasised the ministry’s focus on advancing the welfare and development of women and vulnerable groups in the state.
