By Victoria Okpanachi
Kogi First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called for increased opportunities for women in all spheres of life, emphasising that their capabilities and potential contributes to building a greater Nation.
She made this appeal during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, held on 8th March in Lokoja, with the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.”
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margaret Oyibo, the First Lady said, the theme of this year’s celebration serves as a call to advance with greater speed and determination, highlighting that progress towards gender equality is a collective responsibility.
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Hajia Ododo encouraged women to stand up and take the lead, urging them to make significant strides in their respective fields.
While acknowledging the persistent barriers women face, she emphasised the need for collaboration and collective efforts to drive positive change.
According to her, achieving gender equality is a shared responsibility, noting that empowering women ultimately translates to empowering the nation.
She also advised parents to take advantage of the state’s free education and bursary scheme to educate their children, particularly the girl child.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, expressed joy at the occasion, describing it as a day to reflect on the immense potential of women.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting women who are driving growth. This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Action,’ underscores the importance of prioritising women’s development. When we invest in women, we invest in the nation,” she stated.
She further highlighted the government’s dedication to enlightening, establishing, and empowering women, ensuring that every woman in the state has access to education and skills acquisition.
She emphasised that providing tangible opportunities for women to build sustainable livelihoods remains a priority.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Comfort Nwachola, praised women for their resilience, describing them as “a special species.”
She commended the government’s efforts in empowering women and ensuring they have fair opportunities.
However, she acknowledged that much work still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.
“We are still far from our goal, and as such, we must accelerate action against gender disparity. Women remain underrepresented in political positions, and we must promote inclusiveness,” she asserted.
Princess Karimat Abdullahi, wife of the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, applauded Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support for women.
She emphasised that women are the pillars of society, and any society that aspires to succeed must uphold gender equality, respect for women’s rights, and collaboration.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Oluwakemi Omeiza, who spoke on women’s rights and gender-based violence, urged women to raise their children well, particularly their male children.
She encouraged women to be the voice of their children, stand against any form of injustice and speak out where necessary.
