By 'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to empowering women, improving access to healthcare, and combating drug abuse as part of her New Year message to the people of Kogi State.
In her address, Mrs. Ododo also pledged to intensify efforts in youth development and support for vulnerable groups, emphasizing that the empowerment of women remains the cornerstone of societal progress. She vowed to enhance initiatives that create economic and social opportunities for women in the state.
Expressing her appreciation for the "Renewed Hope Initiative" led by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs. Ododo acknowledged the program's significant impact on Nigerian women, including those in Kogi State. She noted that the initiative has provided tools for economic growth and capacity building, empowering women across the nation.
During the New Year festivities, the First Lady spearheaded multiple interventions to ease the financial burdens on families. Over 120 patients across key medical facilities in the state received antenatal kits, medical supplies, pharmaceutical drugs, food items, and cash support.
Notable visits included the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Iruvochinomi, and Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital, Upogoro. At these facilities, Mrs. Ododo emphasized the importance of antenatal care, urged healthcare workers to uphold professionalism, and advised women to prioritize their health.
Dr. Jibrin Umar, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal University Lokoja Teaching Hospital, commended Mrs. Ododo for her dedication to healthcare improvement. He urged pregnant women to seek antenatal care early to prevent complications and called for sustained government efforts to address manpower shortages in the health sector.
During her outreach, Mrs. Ododo reiterated the importance of family unity, urging women to support their husbands through love, prayers, and respect while fostering discipline and security within the household.
She also highlighted the escalating issue of drug abuse among youths, calling on parents and stakeholders to take proactive measures. Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital, she appealed to mothers to engage with their children, understand their challenges, and guide them toward positive choices.
"Drug abuse is tearing apart our future generation, and as mothers, we must rise to the challenge. Bring your children closer, understand their issues, and guide them on the right path," she said.
Mrs. Ododo’s New Year engagements reflect a broader vision of unity, empowerment, and sustainable development for Kogi State. She called on citizens to continue supporting her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to enable the administration to deliver more dividends of democracy.
Patients and families expressed gratitude for her compassionate outreach, describing it as a timely intervention for struggling households.
As Kogi State looks ahead to 2025, the First Lady’s initiatives serve as a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of women, children, and all citizens, promising a brighter and more inclusive future for the state.
