Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the distribution of walking aids, cash grants, and other mobility support to persons living with disabilities across the state, under the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, a pet project of the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo.
The event, which took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja on Wednesday attracted top government officials, stakeholders, and beneficiaries from across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo described the initiative as a clear demonstration of people-centered leadership, stressing that governance must directly impact the lives of the vulnerable.
“What is happening here today is a statement that leadership must touch the lives of the poor, lift the forgotten, and give voices to those society has ignored,” the Governor said.
He commended the First Lady for championing the wellbeing of less privileged, noting that the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative has helped translate his campaign promises into tangible benefits for the people.
Governor Ododo disclosed that through the programme, 260 women received ₦100,000 each, while 100 persons with special needs were given ₦200,000 each to support their businesses. He further noted that Persons living with albinism received ₦50,000 alongside special skin care creams.
In addition, he said over 500 persons with disabilities benefited from the distribution of wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, and cash support of ₦50,000, among other interventions by the First Lady. The Governor reaffirmed that persons living with disabilities remain a priority of his administration, stressing that they are neither forgotten nor sidelined.
He also acknowledged the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting inclusive governance through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to impact lives positively across the country.
“We will continue to lift the forgotten, and we will continue to govern with humility,” Governor Ododo assured.He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support to become wealth creators, promising that his administration would continue to provide opportunities for the growth of all citizens.
Responding to challenges raised by the Executive Secretary of the Office of Disability Affairs, Yakubu Abdulhakeem, on the welfare of persons with special needs, the Governor assured that the concerns would be addressed after deliberation with members of the State Executive Council and also announced the immediate provision of an official vehicle for the office of the Executive Secretary.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Kogi State and Founder of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo stated that the programme serves as a reminder that no one is forgotten in Kogi State.
She commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of women, children, and the less privilege.
She expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for its continued support toward persons with special needs.
The Coordinator of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, Mary Agama, noted that the NGO, established a year ago, has consistently impacted the disability community in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She emphasized that the organisation’s core mandate is to ensure inclusiveness in building a just society.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office of Disability Affairs, Yakubu Abdulhakeem, praised the First Lady for what he described as a thoughtful and life-changing intervention.
He noted that mobility aids go beyond physical support, describing them as “instruments of dignity and independence.” He also commended Governor Ododo for his fatherly leadership and strong commitment to inclusive governance.
