By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Feb. 22, 2025
The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has distributed 25kg bags of rice, cash and clothing materials to 500 widows across the state.
Mrs. Ododo, who launched the distribution on Saturday at Government House Lokoja, reiterated her desire to continue to defend women’s economic interest especially the widows.
According to her, each of over 500 vulnerable widows selected across the 21 local government areas of the state, would get rice, clothing materials as well as N20,000 to help improve their livelihoods.
“It is a privilege to fulfill our promise to the widows in our dear state and to also fulfill the mandate of the Almighty Allah to look after their affairs in the society.
“Today, we shall be sharing rice and clothes as well as N20,000 cash gifts to each of over 500 vulnerable widows across the state.
“It is important to take care of the wellbeing of our widows. A society that does not take care of the need of widows is an unfair society.
“It is my desire to continue to defend the economic interest of the widows,” she said.
The Kogi first lady stressed that the loss of husband was enough pain for the windows, and therefore hunger and lack should not add to their pain, saying, “it is our responsibility to provide for their needs”.
She, therefore urged all government appointees and the society at large to join Kogi government’s efforts in taking care of widows’ needs in Kogi State.
Mrs Ododo advised the widows to ensure they find something doing to sustain them and their children, adding that government’s support would go a long way to improve their livelihoods.
She added: “On our part, we will continue to provide for your needs and defend your interest as well.
“Your problem is my problem and my doors are always opened to all of you, especially the windows and I will continue to do my best to support you.
“I assure you that my husband will continue to support and prioritise the welfare of women especially the widows in the state”.
The Kogi first lady also donated additional sum of N100,000 each, to 10 widows who participated in beauty pageant entertainment during the program, as empowerment fund to start businesses of their own.
In their separate remarks, Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh; and Kogi Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola, both commended Mrs Ododo for her passion and unwavering commitment to empowering Kogi women.
Also speaking, Hajia Kareemat Abdullahi, wife of Attorney General and Kogi Commissioner for Justice, thanked the governor’s wife and prayed for God’s continued strength to do more.
Kareemat urged the women to judiciously utilise the items to improve their well-being, and advised them to teach their children good morals for the betterment of themselves and the society at large.
On her part, Mrs Ojone Ojata, the Chairperson of Widows’ Care, thanked the governor’s wife for prioritising the wellbeing of women especially widows in the state, and for giving them listening ear.
Some of the beneficiaries, Bilikisu Onuchi, Ruth Arungbemi, and Juliana Ujah; from Kogi central, western and eastern senatorial districts respectively, jointly appreciated the governor’s wife for alleviating their suffering.
“We are grateful to our mother Hajia Sefinat Ododo, for her passion and commitment to always empowering women in the state. May God bless her and Gov. Ahmed Ododo,” Arungbemi prayed.
Items distributed include 25kg bags of rice, N20,000 cash donation and clothing materials to 500 widows from 21 local government areas of the state.
End