Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has empowered 500 vulnerable women across Okunland with N25m cash grants and food items.
The empowerment programme, held in Kabba on Saturday, brought together beneficiaries from the five local government areas in Okunland namely, Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, and West.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the governor said each beneficiary would receive a cash grant of N50,000 and food items as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce the current economic hardship.
Sefinat described the initiative as a “direct intervention” designed to strengthen families and promote economic inclusion at the grassroots.
She added that the empowerment was mainly to provide immediate relief and long-term support to women, widows and other vulnerable groups.
According to her, empowering women is one of the most effective strategies for fighting poverty and improving the welfare of families across Kogi.
“Our women are hardworking and resilient. When we support them, we strengthen homes, build stronger communities and create opportunities for sustainable development.
Sefinat noted that the grants were intended to help beneficiaries expand their businesses, cater for their families, and become more economically self-reliant.
“This empowerment programme is our way of giving hope and helping our women achieve greater economic stability,” she said.
The first lady emphasised that women remain critical stakeholders in community development and nation-building.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ododo’s administration to implementing people-focused programmes and policies that directly impact citizens in all parts of the state.
She further urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants and food items, stressing that the support was meant to grow businesses and improve living conditions.
She also called on the people of Okunland to continue supporting Ododo’s administration, noting that the government remains focused on delivering good governance and expanding opportunities for citizens statewide.
She appealed to Okun people to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social development and national prosperity.
She also expressed confidence that federal reforms and programmes would continue to yield positive results and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Beneficiaries of the grants expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as “timely, impactful and life-changing”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olanike Adebayo, pledged to use the support effectively while commending the governor’s wife for remembering women and vulnerable groups during a period of economic challenges.
