By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, has commended the State Accountant General, Dr. (Mrs.) Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko, for her commitment to women’s empowerment and grassroots development in the state.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during a ceremony organized by the Ofu LGA chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to receive Dr. Onumoko on her thank-you visit and to inaugurate the Local Executive Committee of the Fairwin Women Advancement Association of Nigeria (FAWAASS), Ofu Chapter at Ugwolawo.
Joel described the dual event as a symbol of “gratitude, progress, and renewed commitment to grassroots development, especially in the advancement of women in governance and community leadership.”
He applauded Dr. Habibat’s leadership in founding FAWWASS, a non-profit organization inspiring women across Kogi State to take their rightful place in leadership, economic empowerment, and social transformation.
Charging the newly inaugurated executives, the Deputy Governor urged them to embrace their roles as “torchbearers of women advancement in Ofu,” and to mobilize support for the APC government.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Joel noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains dedicated to sustaining about 40% women representation in governance. “When you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and indeed a nation,” he stressed. And thanked the Governor for his war against insecurity in the state which has annihilated criminal element and made the state safer for all.
He further called on party members to remain united and loyal, pledging that Ofu LGA would continue to serve as a stronghold of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kogi State Accountant General, Hajiya Habibat Tijani in her remark expressed gratitude to the people of Ofu Local Government Area during the visit. She recalled her promise to return and greet the people of Ofu if Governor Ododo won the 2023 election, and she kept her word.
She highlighted the Governor’s achievements, including, timely payment of salaries, Appointments for the people of Ofu, Empowerment programs, Road construction, Educational opportunities, Implementation of minimum wage and leave bonus for civil servants, urging the people of the area to give maximum support to the reelection of the Governor and his Deputy.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, for their commitment to women’s inclusion in governance. The Chairman assured that Ofu LGA would deliver massively for the Governor and Deputy Governor in the 2027 elections, and thanked party leaders, community stakeholders, and guests for their support and presence.
In a similar remark, the Assembly Member representing Ofu constituency, Hon Shehu Seidu Amodu, and the DLG of Ofu Local Government, Mrs. Joy Audu, expressed gratitude to the Accountant General for her vision and hard work in establishing FAWWASS for the enthronement of women, and pledged the support of the Ofu women to the reelection of Governor Ododo and Deputy Joel Salifu come 2027.
