Empowerment In Ofu: Gov Ododo Supports Women, Donates Motorcycles, Calls For Unity
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State governor,Ahmed Usman Ododo, has visited Ofu Local Government Area, where he empowered women with items and donated motorcycles to improve rural transportation and create opportunities for beneficiaries.
Governor Ododo, who was received with joy by the people of Ofu, thanked them for their confidence, love and support for his administration.
He apologised for not visiting earlier to personally appreciate them, noting that his absence never meant neglect.
“I owe you an apology for not coming earlier to personally express my gratitude. I want you to know that my absence has never meant neglect. Your Local Government Area has continued to benefit from our interventions, particularly in healthcare and education,” the Governor said.
Governor Ododo said Ofu occupies a special place in the history and destiny of Kogi State for three important reasons.
First, it is the home of the late leader, Prince Abubakar Audu, the visionary who laid the foundation for the development of the state.
Second, it is the home of the Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu Oyibo.
Third, Ofu is blessed with wonderful people, great minds and men and women whose contributions continue to advance the progress of Kogi State.
“These are reasons we will never take Ofu for granted,” he said.
The Governor said the visit was to support women with empowerment items and provide motorcycles to improve rural transportation and create opportunities for beneficiaries.
He appreciated the people for cooperating with security agencies to keep the area safe, and urged them to sustain the partnership.
“We must sustain that partnership because development thrives where there is peace. No meaningful progress can take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Let us continue to give peace a chance,” Ododo stated.
Governor Ododo also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold reforms, he said, have empowered states to reach more people at the grassroots.
He recalled that the President had charged governors earlier in the year to ensure that the benefits of his reforms get to the ordinary people.
“President cares about the people. He has shown the courage to take difficult decisions that have helped save our economy while providing infrastructure across all sectors. We deserve him beyond 2027,” the Governor said.
He urged the people not to fight anyone because of politics, but to convince them to support President Tinubu so that the benefits of his reforms can continue to reach them.
In a strong message on unity, Governor Ododo appealed to the people to resist division.
“We are one people. When anyone goes to the hospital, nobody asks whether the laboratory technician, nurse or doctor is Igala, Okun or Ebira. All that matters is getting good healthcare. Yet, some people want politics to make us see ourselves as enemies when we are not,” he said.
He added that God brought the people together in the same state for a purpose, and God does not make mistakes.
“Let us protect our unity because our collective future is greater than our individual differences,” he stated
To the beneficiaries, the Governor urged them to make good use of what they received.
He advised petty traders to turn the support into an opportunity to expand their businesses, increase their income and improve the welfare of their families.
To those who received motorcycles, he advised them to use them productively to earn a living and support their households.
“Never despise a small beginning. Big businesses start small, and great success stories often begin with modest opportunities. Let what you are receiving today be the seed you nurture into a mighty tree,” Ododo said.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to Ofu and every other part of Kogi State, promising to continue to pursue development that touches lives, opens opportunities and gives every community a reason to believe in a better tomorrow.
He asked the people to keep supporting his administration, cooperate with one another and remain united in building the Kogi State of their dreams.
“Together, we will achieve more, and together, we will leave a legacy that our children will be proud of,” he said.
The Governor thereafter declared the Empowerment Programme open, to the glory of God and in the service of humanity.
