The wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman Ododo, has distributed relief materials to widows across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The distribution, which took place at the Government House in Lokoja, included 500 bags of 25kg rice, a cash donation of ₦20,000 each to beneficiaries, and a six-yard Ankara material.
According to Hajia Sefinat Ododo, the move is aimed at cushioning the effects of the harsh economy on widows who are struggling to make ends meet and to keep their promise to the widows.
“It is a privilege to fulfill our promise to the widows in our dear state and to also fulfill the mandate of the Almighty Allah to look after their affairs in the society.“Today, we shall be sharing rice and clothes as well as N20,000 cash gifts to each of over 500 vulnerable widows across the state.
She emphasized her commitment to supporting widows and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria, with plans to extend the outreach to more widows in the state.
“It is important to take care of the wellbeing of our widows. A society that does not take care of the need of widows is an unfair society.“It is my desire to continue to defend the economic interest of the widows,” she said.
Hajia Sefinat Ododo emphasized that the loss of husband was enough pain for the widows, and therefore hunger and lack should not add to their pain, “it is our responsibility to provide for their needs”
The Kogi State First Lady also highlighted the significant hardships widows face after the loss of their husbands and the need for every possible aid from individuals in positions to assist them and their children.
She, therefore urged all government appointees and the society at large to join Kogi government’s efforts in taking care of widows’ needs in Kogi State.Mrs Ododo advised the widows to ensure they find something doing to sustain them and their children, adding that government’s support would go a long way to improve their livelihoods.
She added: “On our part, we will continue to provide for your needs and defend your interest as well.“Your problem is my problem and my doors are always opened to all of you, especially the windows and I will continue to do my best to support you.“I assure you that my husband will continue to support and prioritise the welfare of women especially the widows in the state”.
In addition to the relief materials, the First Lady gave ₦100,000 to 10 widows who participated in a comical relief beauty pageantry to support their trade.
In their separate remarks, Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh; and Kogi Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola, both commended Mrs Ododo for her passion and unwavering commitment to empowering Kogi women.
Also speaking, Hajia Kareemat Abdullahi, wife of Attorney General and Kogi Commissioner for Justice, thanked the governor’s wife and prayed for God’s continued strength to do more.
The beneficiaries appreciated the First Lady for her kind gesture and prayed for her and her family
Mrs Ojone Ojata, the Chairperson of Widows’ Care, appreciated the governor’s wife for her care for the widows in the state.
Some of the beneficiaries, Ruth Arungbemi
Bilikisu Onuchi, , and Juliana Ujah; from Kogi central, western and eastern senatorial districts respectively, jointly appreciated the governor’s wife for alleviating their suffering.
“We are grateful to our mother Hajia Sefinat Ododo, for her passion and commitment to always empowering women in the state. May God bless her and Gov. Ahmed Ododo,” Arungbemi prayed.
