By Stephen Adeleye.
The Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, founded by Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has launched an economic empowerment program, “Moving Forward Together,” aimed at fostering a disability-inclusive society.
In her welcome address on Wednesday at Muhammadu Buhari Square Lokoja, Hajia Ododo emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Today, we remind one another that nobody is forgotten in Kogi State.”
She expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support.
She said the programme would provide business opportunities for 42 people with disabilities, empowers 260 women, and give mobility support to 260 people with disabilities.
“Under the program, 260 women will receive N100,000 each, 100 persons living with disabilities will get N200,000 each for their businesses, and 260 persons living with disabilities will receive N50,000 each.
“Additionally, wheelchairs, armpit crutches, walking sticks, guide canes, and elbow crutches will be distributed to those in need,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support.
In his remarks, His Excellency, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, who flagged off the distribution, praised his wife for the initiative to fostering disability-inclusive society.
“What we are witnessing here today is a statement, a statement that leadership must touch the poor, lift the forgotten, and give voice to those society has ignored,” he said.
The governor presented an official vehicle, and promised a bus for the Office of Persons with Disabilities Affairs, as well as a grant of 50% waiver in state tertiary institutions for PWDs.
The governor stressed that the initiative would promote economic independence, dignity, and social progress for women and persons with disabilities.
The governor and his wife urged the beneficiaries to use the support wisely to improve their lives and contribute to the state’s development.
The Coordinator of Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, Mrs Mary Agamalafia, said the organization was thrilled to have made a positive impact on the lives of people and communities in Kogi State, particularly women, children, victims of drug abuse and molestation, widows, and the less privileged.
“We believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and we will continue to work towards creating opportunities for all,” Agamalafia said,
She added that the organization was committed to doing more, especially for persons with disabilities.
Earlier, Mr Yakubu Abdulhakeem, Executive Secretary for Persons with Disabilities in Kogi State, lauded the initiative, saying, “This intervention promotes empowerment, participation, and improves quality of life.”
Abdulhakeem presented a few requests to the governor, including support for PWDs in tertiary institutions and appointment of SSA representing disabilities.
A beneficiary Daniel Arome, Chairman of Persons with Disabilities Association, Kogi State, hailed the Governor and his wife for their kindness and commitment to their welfare.
Arome described the initiative as a historic milestone for PWDs in the state.
“For the first time, we have received such significant support, and it has brought tears of joy to our eyes,” he said, expressing gratitude to the governor and his wife.
“With this mobility aid, we are confident that we can contribute more effectively to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Arome assured the government of the association’s continued support and promised to vote for the governor in future elections.
