Massive empowerment took place in Kogi State on Saturday as the Wife of the Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman Ododo, distributed ₦50,000 cash grants to 500 women and vulnerable persons across Okunland in a move aimed at easing economic hardship and supporting small-scale businesses.
The empowerment programme, held in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, also featured the distribution of food items to beneficiaries drawn from the five local government areas in Okunland.
The initiative forms part of the Kogi State Government’s grassroots support efforts targeted at women, widows and vulnerable groups facing increasing economic pressure across communities.
Speaking during the programme, Hajia Sefinat Ododo said the intervention was designed to directly improve the welfare of women and help them become more financially stable through support for their businesses and family needs.
According to her, empowering women remains one of the fastest ways to strengthen households, improve community welfare and reduce poverty at the grassroots.
“Our women are hardworking and resilient. When we support them, we strengthen homes, build stronger communities and create opportunities for sustainable development. This empowerment programme is our way of giving hope and helping our women achieve greater economic stability,” she said.
The Kogi First Lady explained that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to implementing people-focused programmes that directly impact citizens across the state, especially vulnerable groups.
She urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the cash grants and food support provided to them, stressing that the programme was not just a welfare initiative but an opportunity for economic growth and self-reliance.
Hajia Ododo also appealed to residents of Okunland to continue supporting the administration of Governor Ododo, noting that the government is focused on expanding opportunities for citizens and delivering governance that addresses the needs of the people.
She further called on Nigerians to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government is laying a strong foundation for economic growth and national development.
According to her, ongoing reforms and intervention programmes introduced by the Federal Government would continue to produce positive outcomes for Nigerians despite current economic realities.
Beneficiaries at the programme described the intervention as timely and impactful, especially at a period when many families are struggling with rising living costs and business challenges.
Some of the women who received the grants said the support would help them restock their shops, improve their petty businesses and better provide for their families.
Others commended Hajia Sefinat Ododo for extending the empowerment programme to vulnerable persons across Okunland, noting that many women in rural communities rarely receive direct financial assistance.
The event attracted community leaders, women groups, party supporters and residents from different parts of Okunland who gathered in Kabba for the programme.
Earlier before the empowerment exercise, Hajia Sefinat Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, where she reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to supporting traditional institutions as partners in promoting peace, unity and development across communities.
The monarch offered royal blessings and commended efforts targeted at improving the welfare of women and vulnerable persons in the state.
The empowerment programme further highlighted the increasing focus of the Kogi State Government on grassroots economic support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for women across the state.
