….. Pledges Support for Women’s Education, Economic Independence
By Stephen Adeleye.
The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has emphasized the transformative power of supporting women, declaring that empowered women contribute to a stronger society and nation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bunu Women Development Forum (BWDF) on Saturday in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Mrs Ododo underscored unity among women as a catalyst for unstoppable progress.
“When a woman is supported, it builds her confidence and resilience,” Hajia Ododo stated.
The First Lady, represented by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Margaret Salifu advocated for women to unite, support one another, and speak with one voice for a better society.
She envisioned the BWDF as a platform promoting empowerment, love, security, and dignity for women, enabling them achieve dreams and restore peace in their communities.
She pledged her office’s continued collaboration with women’s groups to support education and empower women toward self-reliance and dignity.
“My office will work with valuable women groups to support women education and empower women to be self-reliant,” she affirmed.
Hajia Ododo urged women to remain focused and committed to Kogi State’s development, supporting Gov. Ahmed Ododo and President Bola Tinubu’s Administrations.
She assured attendees of her unwavering support, encouraging belief in themselves and mutual support for community, state, and national development.
The State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), hailed the launch of BWDF as pivotal for women’s empowerment and societal progress.
According to him, BWDF is a platform that will create opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, vocational skills for women in over 40 communities in Bunu land.
Omodara stressed that unity among women is crucial for collective advancement, adding that hardworking Bunu women can drive societal change with support.
He emphasised that the BWDF inauguration marked a significant step toward harnessing women’s potential for community and societal development in Kogi State.
Omodara assured backing from officials and stakeholders for BWDF’s goals, stressing that the empowered women would partner with government and security agencies for safer society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Olayinka Braimoh, announced his Foundation’s scholarship award to 100 girl-children in Bunu land.
He commended Bunu women’s unity for empowerment and pledged his Foundation’s ongoing support.
Braimoh also urged government to maintain an enabling environment for women’s progress in Kogi State.
In her keynote address, Prof. Emily Alenika stressed women’s crucial role in nation-building and societal security through raising virtuous children.
She advocated for women’s empowerment in education, entrepreneurship, and politics via mobilisation and participation, and urged women to unite for self-empowerment.
Kabba-Bunu LGA – Chairman Barr. Dare Zacchaeus, lauded Bunu women’s hard work and vision, assuring them of his support and urging unity.
The Chairman commended the state government’s efforts against banditry.
Mrs Bukola Aledare, the President of BWDF, highlighted the organization’s mission to build capacity, promote economic independence, and preserve cultural heritage among Bunu women.
She said the forum’s launch underscored a commitment to strengthening families and communities through women’s empowerment.
“When a woman is empowered, a family is strengthened; when families are strong, communities prosper,” Aledare emphasized.
The BWDF president called on women to stand together in unity and love, supporting one another and mentoring younger generations.
The Obaro of Odo-Ape, HRH Oba Elijah Meseko, praised efforts to address insecurity and commended the women’s initiative, stressing women’s integral role in nation-building.
The monarch assured traditional institution’s support for BWDF’s empowerment goals.
The highlights of the occasion is the unveiling BWDF logo, with the motto “Where Women Lead, Communities Prosper” by the Deputy gov’s wife on behalf of the First Lady.
She also presented BWDF’s empowerment items to seven beneficiaries, which include: Grinding and Sewing machines and Dryers, among others.
A beneficiary, Christiana Jumai Joel, thanked BWDF, promising to utilize empowerment for self and family growth.
The stakeholders at the event urged women to remain united to attract support and drive progress.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Former Kogi Assembly Speaker, Prince Matthew Kolawole; the Director General, Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board, Prince Phillip Orebiyi; and SA to Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon Juwon Olorunnipa (JUMABEE), among others.
Hon. Duro Meseko, Deputy Publicity Secretary, APC National, and Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Jones; Senator Sunday Karimi; and Rep. Idris Salman; were also represented at the event.
