The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has extended support to 400 vulnerable widows by distributing cash and foodstuffs. The initiative, flagged off at Government House, Lokoja, was part of efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by widows in the state. The distribution was made possible through the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment program.
Speaking at the event, Hajia Ododo emphasized the need to care for widows, describing them as strong women who have endured life’s difficulties and deserve better living conditions. She acknowledged that many widows go to bed hungry, not because of their own failures, but due to unfortunate circumstances, urging society to prioritize their welfare.
“I am always happy to put a smile on the faces of widows because they are very strong women who deserve to live well,” she said. “We should care for all widows and mothers around us because they are the backbone of our society.”
Hajia Ododo praised Mrs. Tinubu for her dedication to empowering women across the country, expressing her gratitude for the federal government’s continuous support. She assured the widows of her commitment to protecting their interests and thanked God for guiding her husband, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Ododo, in his leadership.
In her remarks, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margaret Oyibo, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting widows, emphasizing the importance of helping them achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life.
The wife of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs. Hassana Umar, also encouraged the widows to receive the aid with gratitude, promising that more assistance would come in the future.
Mrs. Ojone Ojatah, the state’s Widow Coordinator, commended Hajia Ododo for her continued efforts to support widows, offering prayers for her and the Kogi State government. Several beneficiaries, including Mrs. Margaret Alabi from Mopamuro and Mrs. Gloria Ameh from Ankpa, expressed their deep appreciation for the First Lady’s support, particularly during these challenging times.
The event marks a significant step towards improving the lives of widows in Kogi State, with the hope of further empowerment initiatives in the future.
