Kogi Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has disbursed N25 million in grants and food items to 500 vulnerable women across Okunland in the state.
The empowerment program, held in Kabba on Saturday, brought together beneficiaries from the five local government areas in Okunland: Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, and West.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the governor said each beneficiary would receive a cash grant of N50,000 along with food items, as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and cushion the current economic hardships.
She described the initiative as a “direct intervention” aimed at strengthening families and promoting economic inclusion at the grassroots.
Ododo said the program was primarily to provide immediate relief and long-term support to women, widows, and other vulnerable groups.
She noted that the grants were intended to help beneficiaries expand their businesses, care for their families, and become more economically self-reliant.
“Our women are hardworking and resilient. When we support them, we strengthen homes, build stronger communities, and create opportunities for sustainable development.
“This empowerment program is our way of giving hope and helping women achieve greater economic stability,” she said.
The governor’s wife emphasized that women remain critical stakeholders in community development and nation-building.
According to her, empowering women is one of the most effective strategies for fighting poverty and improving family welfare across Kogi.
She reaffirmed her husband’s administration’s commitment to implementing people-focused programs and policies that directly impact citizens in all parts of the state.
Ododo urged beneficiaries to make good use of the grants and food items, stressing that the support aims to grow their businesses and improve living conditions.
She also called on the people of Okunland to continue supporting Ododo’s administration, noting that the government remains focused on delivering good governance and expanding opportunities for citizens statewide.
Additionally, she appealed to the Okun people to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu, saying, “the Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social development, and national prosperity.”
She expressed confidence that federal reforms and programs would continue to produce positive results and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Earlier, while receiving royal blessings at the Palace of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, the governor’s wife assured the traditional ruler of the government’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions.
She stated that traditional institutions are vital partners in promoting peace, unity, and development.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as “timely, impactful, and life-changing.”
One beneficiary, Mrs. Olanike Adebayo, pledged to use the support effectively and praised the governor’s wife for remembering women and vulnerable groups during these challenging economic times.
