The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has urged women journalists and stakeholders to take a leading role in combating violence against women, especially those in rural areas.
Hajia Ododo made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kogi State Chapter, at her office in Lokoja, where she emphasized the importance of a united effort to address gender-based violence (GBV) at the grassroots level.
Reiterating her dedication to addressing GBV in the state, the First Lady called for increased awareness campaigns to remind parents of their crucial roles in fostering strong family bonds.
She stressed that collective action is necessary to protect the rights of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in the society.
Mrs Ododo noted that her office has already conducted sensitization campaigns across the three senatorial districts in the state targeting community-level interventions.
She highlighted the importance of instilling values such as truth, patience, and care, which she believe will positively impact children and young people, ultimately benefiting the society at large.
The First Lady also praised the achievements of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, including the free education policy for public primary and secondary schools, payment of bursary for students in tertiary institutions, and other development initiatives by the Kogi state government in the last one year.
She urged women nationwide to support and pray for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her efforts to empower women and drive emancipation across the country through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Kogi State Chapter, Mrs. Stella Edoka, expressed the association’s commitment to championing issues affecting women, youth, and children, highlighting the consistent efforts of NAWOJ members to report and ensure advocacy on women’s right issues through various media platforms.
The Coordinator of the Kogi State Widows’ Association, Ojone Ojatah, also commended the Kogi State First Lady for her support for widows, including the provision of relief items such as food items and clothing.
Various women groups, including the Catholic Women Association, No Woman. No Nation, and the Ebira Avaibe Women Wing of Federal University Lokoja, lauded Mrs Ododo’s empowerment initiatives.
They prayed for continued blessings for the First Lady, her family, and the people of Kogi State.
