By Victoria Okpanachi
Kogi first lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called on stakeholders to give more support to women at all levels, emphasising that this is crucial for national growth and development.
She made the call during the celebration of the 2026 international women’s day held today in Lokoja, with the theme “Give to Gain: Women’s Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls”.
According to her the empowerment of women remains a priority in the state, as the rise of a woman translates to the rise of a community.
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“When you give to women, you grow, when we give to girls you gain leaders, when you give support you gain a better society. Giving is not weakness, it is Wisdom,” Hajia Ododo said.
She urged women to support policies that drive development emphasising that gender equality will happen intentionally, not by chance.
The first lady appealed to stakeholders to invest their time, resources and voices in supporting women and girls around them, while also protecting the vulnerable and promoting fairness.
She commended the first lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to advancing the welfare of women across the country.
In her goodwill message, the commissioner for women affairs and social development, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi, expressed gratitude to the Hajia Ododo, while commending Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his efforts in improving the welfare of women in the state.
Hon. Okpanachi highlighted the state’s initiatives, including care for the vulnerable, child protection, and women’s empowerment programmes, as well as political appointments given to women, while creating an enabling environment for everyone to thrive.
President of the international federation of women lawyers (FIDA) Barr. OluwaKemi Omeiza, in her goodwill message emphasised the importance of empowering women to reduce gender-based violence, which often targets the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.
