By Victoria Okpanachi
The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo,has identified and celebrated with women on the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary with a reassurance of sustained support to women across the state.
This is even as she has urged them to embrace their roles as agents of development for a better Nigeria.
Hajiya Ododo pledged her support at the event organised by her office to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence celebration held at the Government House in Lokoja.
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In her address, she congratulated Nigeria on its progress, emphasising that the day signifies a departure from poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment.
According to her, empowerment training programs have been put in place to elevate women and make her employable. While stressing that a lot of attention has been given to enhance girl child education in the state.
She noted that in the past months, her office has empowered over a 1000 women in the state, while calling on the government at all levels to take decisive action to protect women’s rights, combat violence against women, and support their contributions to nation-building.
The First Lady stressed the critical role women play in societal development and the necessity of safeguarding them from sexual and gender-based violence.
Hajiya Ododo equally expressed her gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and empowerment programs for women nationwide describing her as “ Beacon of hope for women in Nigeria,”.
The First Lady assured the public of her dedication to protecting women’s rights and eradicating violence against them through various institutions.
She also used to occasion to encourage women to continue supporting her husband’s administration, promising that he would remain committed to the welfare of women and youth in the state.
Mrs. Ododo praised the party leadership of All Progressive Congress (APC) for nominating women to various positions in the upcoming local government elections, asserting, “As women, we will not disappoint you and the good people of Kogi.”
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, who implored women to pray for the governor and his wife to ensure the state’s success.
Dr. Ayoade commended the First Lady for her humility and dedication to empowering women throughout the state.
Also speaking at the event the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Momoh remarked that the day marked a triumph of the people’s collective origin. She acknowledged that despite the challenges, Nigeria remains resilient, standing strong in peace, tolerance, and progress.
While emphasising the importance of unity, she further charged all stakeholders that “As we celebrate our diversity as a nation, let us work together to build a country where justice prevail”.
