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Governor Ododo Empowers 120 Vulnerable Kogi Women
The Kogi State Government through the Ododo Cares Empowerment Program on Thursday empowered 120 women in the State with Grinding and Sewing machines in its quest to improve the livelihood of vulnerable women in the State, and improve their economic value.
Addressing beneficiaries of the empowerment program at the Glass House, Lokoja on Thursday, Kogi First Lady, and wife of the Governor, Hajia Sefinat 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 by the State Government to contribute their quota to the development of the state and upliftment of their families.
The First Lady posited that empowering women is fundamental to the economic growth of the state, and promised that the government will maximize this to support small-scale enterprises, eradicate poverty and enhance their socio-economic disposition.
Hajia Sefinat implored them to reciprocate the state government’s gesture by putting the machines to judicious use for the promotion of their businesses and survival of their families, and warned against selling them.
She commended the commissioner for her exceptional commitment to issues bordering on the empowerment of women and wealth creation.
In her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh said the 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.
She explained that 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.
The commissioner pointed out that the 120 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 21 local government areas of the state through a transparent process.
According to her, “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards economic empowerment and self-sufficiency to the indigent women of Kogi State.
“The Ododo Cares Empowerment Scheme championed by the governor is a statement of our commitment to uplifting women and transforming communities.
“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.
“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.
Hajia Momoh thanked Governor Ododo for his unwavering support, and huge investment in women empowerment initiatives.
“Your Leadership has consolidated on the gains of our leader, former Governor Yahaya Bello.
She also lauded the governor for the initiative which she described as, “inspiring the new generation of women leaders”.
“Let us continue to empower education and elevate one another together we’ll build a bridge a brighter future for Kogi state.”
Goodwill messages from the wife of the Deputy Governor and other stakeholders commended the Women Affairs Ministry for assisting vulnerable women through social inclusions, the creation of enabling environments, and their consistency.
They pledged their supports for the current administration’s efforts towards
women’s economic empowerment initiatives, and transformational impact on families and communities across the state.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of 120 machines – 60 grinding machines, and 60 sewing machines, to the beneficiaries by the First Lady.