The Ebira Vonya Women Association also called Fancy Women in Politics, has reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment, community development and grassroots mobilisation with the successful hosting of its Annual Mega Empowerment Programme.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the association, Hon. Rukayat Ajoge, described the programme as a reflection of the association’s enduring commitment to improving livelihoods, promoting self-reliance and strengthening unity among the Ebira people in Ebiraland, Ebira community in Lokoja and Kogi State at large.
Hon. Rukayat Ajoge commended the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his visionary and people-centred leadership, noting that his administration has continued to make strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, youth development and women’s empowerment
She also paid glowing tribute to the association’s principal sponsor and Auditor-General for Local Governments, Hon. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege, describing him as a compassionate leader whose unwavering commitment to human capital development and community advancement has continued to transform lives across Kogi State.
A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of productive assets designed to strengthen small businesses and improve household incomes. Beneficiaries received about 50 sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, 100 cooling Freezers to support women engaged in beverage businesses, 100 electric fans to assist small and medium-scale enterprises in mitigating the effects of the approaching dry season, alongside additional grinding machines for petty traders involved in food processing.
Hon. Ajoge urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment to expand their businesses, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities.
The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including first-class traditional rulers, the APC candidate for the Adavi State Constituency, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor of Kogi State, political stakeholders, community leaders, women groups and party faithful.
The dignitaries commended Hon. Rukayat Ajoge for her purposeful leadership and dedication to the economic empowerment of women, while applauding Hon. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege for providing the support and vision behind the initiative. They described the programme as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership and grassroots development.
The speakers unanimously expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, affirming their support for his re-election bid. They also endorsed the aspiration of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat and pledged their commitment to the victory of all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in future elections.
They urged members of the association and the electorate to remain united and actively participate in the democratic process to sustain the dividends of good governance.
While appreciating members, volunteers and coordinators for their dedication to the success of the programme, Hon. Ajoge assured those who were not captured in the current phase that the empowerment initiative would continue in subsequent batches. She concluded by calling for greater unity, peaceful coexistence and collective commitment to the continued progress of the Ebira community and Kogi State, stressing that lasting development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and shared purpose.
