'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a heartfelt initiative aimed at uplifting vulnerable members of society, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, officially launched a program to distribute essential food items and cash donations to widows across the state's 21 Local Government Areas. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Government House in Lokoja, drawing attention to the pressing needs of widows facing economic hardships.
During the event, Mrs. Ododo highlighted the significance of the initiative, which is part of the broader Renewed Hope Initiative spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She emphasized the commitment of the program to empower widows and other marginalized groups in Nigeria. "The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to expand its outreach in the coming weeks," she affirmed.
Recognizing the profound challenges faced by widows following the loss of their husbands, Mrs. Ododo expressed her empathy and commitment to providing support. "They are going through tough times and need all the assistance they can get from those in positions to help," she stated.
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| Cross session of beneficiaries at the event |
As the state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Mrs. Ododo assured attendees that her office would remain accessible for discussions on initiatives that positively impact the lives of women, girls, and other less privileged individuals in the community. "My doors will always be open to champion causes that uplift our society," she promised.
The distribution included over 1,000 bags of 25kg rice and a total of 5 million Naira in cash, with each widow receiving a piece of a branded unity wrapper. This gesture not only provided essential food supplies but also commemorated Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, symbolizing solidarity and support for the nation’s vulnerable populations.
In addition to the support for widows, the First Lady extended her generosity by providing a cash donation to young entrepreneur Andy Ometere, aimed at helping her sustain her shoe business. This move underscores the initiative's broader goal of fostering economic empowerment among women in Kogi State.
The event marks a significant step in addressing the needs of widows in Kogi, reinforcing the state government's commitment to social welfare and community support. As the initiative progresses, it promises to bring hope and tangible assistance to those most in need.
