In celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on women and youths across the country to renew their commitment to national development and unity.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Government House in Lokoja, Hajia Sefinat, who was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Margaret Salifu Oyibo, said the anniversary is not only a moment of joy but also a reminder of Nigeria’s historical struggles and the shared responsibility of building a prosperous nation.
She charged women to rise with renewed faith and hope, upholding the values of womanhood as essential partners in progress, while also stressing the critical role of youths in shaping the nation’s future.
“This independence reminds us that we all have a stake in the future of Nigeria. Our women and youths must recommit themselves to the ideals of nation-building by mentoring the younger generation and empowering one another towards self-reliance,” she said.
Hajia Sefinat further emphasised the special place of women in Nigeria’s journey of growth, describing them as pillars of renewed hope and mothers of the nation tasked with nurturing values, strengthening unity, and inspiring progress.
“We, as women, own a special place in the heart of this nation. We must love Nigeria deeply and commit ourselves to its progress. Together, we will build a great nation of our own,” she added.
The First Lady also called on Nigerians to continually pray for leaders at all levels, noting that their success in delivering good governance would translate into a stronger and more prosperous country.
She commended the First Lady of the nation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the impactful work of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which she said has provided succour and economic empowerment to households across Nigeria, securing a future of honour, dignity, and hope for generations to come.
