'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Daily Courier – The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on young people to resist the negative influences of social media and prioritize positive life choices that ensure a brighter future. She made this appeal during an event held at the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Mrs. Ododo expressed concern over the moral decay prevalent on social media platforms, urging young women to uphold the dignity of womanhood by avoiding acts that tarnish their image. She encouraged youths to steer clear of social vices like internet fraud, emphasizing the importance of acquiring entrepreneurial and ICT skills to foster self-reliance and sustainable futures.
"Social media is a tool that can be used for good or ill. I urge our young people, especially young women, to focus on building a positive legacy and developing skills that will secure their futures," she stated.
The First Lady appealed to parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s character. She advised them to leverage the free education policy of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to ensure their children receive formal education.
She added, “Parents must go the extra mile to raise responsible adults. Education is the foundation of a better future, and it is our duty to ensure that every child in Kogi State has access to it.”
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tijani Anaje, reinforced the importance of family values such as peace, love, respect, and discipline. He urged fathers to remain steadfast in their responsibilities as heads of families and advised traditional rulers to promote good behavior within their communities.
"Traditional rulers must lead by example and discourage sharp practices by rewarding exemplary behavior and addressing negative practices decisively," the monarch advised.
Maryam Abedo, Director General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, highlighted the need for women to speak out against molestation before and after marriage. She urged parents to establish close relationships with their children, fostering trust that enables children to share concerns.
Abedo also called for mutual respect between spouses to build a healthy society, stating, “Parents must teach their sons how to treat their spouses with respect. Strong family foundations breed godly and responsible children.”
The event underscored the collective responsibility of government, traditional institutions, and families in curbing social vices and promoting positive youth development.
Hajia Sefinat Ododo’s advocacy aligns with global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls while emphasizing education, entrepreneurship, and family values as tools to foster responsible citizens and sustainable communities in Kogi State.
