Kogi state government has reiterated its commitment to wellbeing of citizens of the state.
Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, made this known during a women empowerment program in Lokoja on Thursday.
No less than 120 women were empowered with sewing and grinding machines to boost their small-scale businesses.
She stated that the current administration in the state is doing a lot to ensure women are empowered to live better lives and make impact in the society.
The initiative, organized by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, through the Ododo Cares Empowerment Program, was aimed to improve the livelihood of vulnerable women in the state.
Hajia Ododo tasked the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity to improve their lives and that of their families.
She appealed to them to leverage on the opportunity provided them to contribute their quota to the development of the state and upliftment of their families.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, said the Ododo Cares Empowerment Program is a statement of the current administration’s commitment to uplifting women and transforming communities.
She noted that the 120 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 21 local government areas of the state through a transparent process.
“As we distribute these grinding and sewing machines to over 100 beneficiaries, we are unlocking potentials, fostering empowerment and entrepreneurship and strengthening families. We are breaking cycles of poverty and cultivating cultures of resilience.
“This initiative was borne out of the desire to positively touch the lives of the people, and further cushion the effects of economic hardship in the country.
“The high premium placed on women empowerment by the Governor Ododo-led administration in the state will help in the upliftment of women and the transformation of communities across the state.
“To our beneficiaries, I urge you to maximize these resources, innovate and create opportunities for yourself and others. You are change makers and the backbone of our society,” she said.
The Commissioner thanked Governor Ododo for consolidating on the gains of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
She also lauded Governor Ododo for the initiative which she described as “inspiring the new generation of women leaders”.
In her goodwill message, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margaret Joel Oyibo commended the first lady and Women Affairs Ministry for assisting vulnerable women through social inclusion, the creation of enabling environments, and their consistency.
She applauded Hajia Ododo’s commitment to women emancipation and urged beneficiaries to work together for a brighter future.
