Widows in Kogi State have commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing welfare and demonstrating compassion and inclusive leadership in addressing the needs of widows across the state.
The commendation was made during the 3rd edition of the Widows’ Special Prayer Session held at the Government House in Lokoja.
The event, themed United in Prayer: Seeking Divine Guidance for Our Leaders,” brought together widows from different parts of the state to offer prayers for peace, good governance, and the success of the present administration.
Speaking at the event, Coordinator of Kogi State Widows Network Ojone Ojatah, described the gathering as a platform for unity, faith, and advocacy.
She disclosed that the association has over 64,200 registered members who are actively engaged in advocacy, sensitization, economic empowerment, political awareness, and human rights programmes aimed at enhancing the productivity and relevance of widows in the society.
Mrs. Ojatah noted that Governor Ododo has consistently treated the welfare of widows as a sacred responsibility by repeatedly assuring that no widow or orphan would be abandoned in Kogi State.
She said the Governor’s assurance has strengthened the confidence and hope of widows across the state.
She also praised the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, for her unwavering support for widows, revealing that widows in the state have benefited from four major empowerment schemes facilitated by the office of the First Lady, as well as annual welfare interventions by the Wife of the Governor.
She highlighted the recent donation of ₦5 million and 300 bags of rice by Governor Ododo during the festive season as another evidence of the compassion and people-oriented policies of the current administration.
Ojatah also acknowledged the various programmes of the state government implemented through the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies to address the challenges faced by widows and to promote gender equality.
She commended the administration’s gender-sensitive approach, particularly the strategic inclusion of women in key leadership positions across the state.
The Chief Imam of the Government House, Alhaji Musa Bashiru, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting widows in society.
He explained that widows are given special recognition because they have lost the heads of their families and often face significant social and economic challenges.
Alhaji Bashiru urged the widows to remain faithful, prayerful, and God-fearing, while placing their trust and hope in God.
He further advised that the primary purpose of belonging to the Widows’ Association should be to create avenues for providing food, care, and quality education for the children left behind by their late husbands.
He also stressed that widowhood should not be seen as an excuse for street begging thereby encouraging young widows to engage in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition as pathways to self-reliance and sustainable empowerment.
