'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, in a heartfelt appeal to women across Nigeria, has urged them to seize every opportunity for self-improvement. This call to action was made during a recent event at the Government House in Lokoja, where she distributed sewing and grinding machines to over 100 beneficiaries as part of the Ododo Cares Empowerment Programme, organized by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
During her address, Mrs. Ododo emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in enhancing the livelihoods of women and their families. She highlighted that the empowerment initiative aims to boost small and medium-scale businesses within Kogi State, encouraging beneficiaries to utilize the machines effectively and responsibly. "These tools are not just items; they are opportunities for you to uplift your families and communities. I urge you to use them wisely and refrain from selling them," she said.
The First Lady reaffirmed her husband, Governor Usman Ododo's, commitment to creating a conducive environment for wealth generation among all citizens. She underscored the state government's ongoing efforts to empower women and the broader population as part of a comprehensive strategy to alleviate poverty in the region.
Mrs. Ododo also expressed her gratitude to the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Fatima Momoh, for her unwavering dedication and initiatives aimed at supporting women throughout the state. She noted that such efforts are vital for fostering sustainable economic development and improving the quality of life for women and their families.
The event was met with enthusiasm from the beneficiaries, many of whom expressed their gratitude for the support and resources provided. The empowerment programme reflects a broader commitment by the Kogi State government to uplift marginalized communities and promote gender equality through economic empowerment.
As Kogi State continues to focus on enhancing opportunities for women, Hajia Sefinat's call to action resonates as a reminder of the potential for self-improvement and the importance of utilizing available resources for personal and community advancement.