Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off the distribution of bags of rice, cash donation and branded wrapper to widows across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

At the flag off of the distribution in Government House, Lokoja, Hajia Sefinat Ododo said the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is committed to empowering widows and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria, adding that the Renewed Hope Initiative will reach out to more groups in coming weeks.

According to Wife of the Kogi state Governor, the widows are going through tough times resulting from the demise of their husbands and would need all the support they could possibly get from those in position to be of assistance at all levels.

Mrs Ododo who noted that in her capacity as the state cordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative her doors will remain open as she would continue to champion any good cause that impact the lives of women, girls and the less privileged in the society.

Over 1000 bags of 25kg rice and 5 million Naira in cash was distributed to widows across the 21 LGAs with each of the beneficiaries receiving a piece of the unity wrappers in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

The Kogi state First Lady also gave a cash donation to support a young lady, Andy Ometere to help sustain her shoe business.

By Aaior K. Comfort

About 70 people have died, and 134 still missing following a tragic boat mishap in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Independence Day on the River Niger, upstream from the Jebba Dam, near the Gbajibo Community.

According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, predominantly women and children, who were traveling from Mundi Community to participate in the Maulid celebration at Gbajibo.

NSEMA Director-General Abdullahi Baba Arah reported that community volunteers played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, saving over 150 individuals. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate additional survivors.

The state agency is collaborating with the Niger State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers to continue the rescue operations and recover the bodies of the deceased.

The state government recently disclosed that 182 lives have been lost to boat accidents in the past three years, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures on waterways.

The recent accident follows the distribution of 33 fiberglass boats by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) to nine states, aimed at preventing such tragedies.

Government at all levels have been implored to take necessary steps to protect women’s right and support them to build a virile nation.

Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo made the call during a ceremony at the Government House Lokoja to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.

Hajia Sefinat Ododo said women continue to play pivotal role in shaping the society hence they must be protected from sexual and gender-based violence.

Hajia Sefinat restated Governor Ododo’s commitment to tackling poverty, insecurity, access to healthcare and the menace of out of school children in the state.

According to the Kogi State First Lady, various programmes have been initiated by her office to empower women and young girls in in last eight months.

She mentioned the provision of grants to over 1000 women in small and medium businesses across the state, enhancement of girl child education and vocational training to safeguard the future of young girls and women as some of the highlights of her achievements.

She expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support and empowerment programme across the country describing her as a beacon of hope for women in Nigeria.

Mrs Ododo assured the gathering that the Kogi State Governor would not disappoint the women and youths in the state.

While calling on the men to cherish and love their female counterparts at all times, the Wife of the Kogi State Governor appealed to women to continue to support and pray for their families, husbands and leaders in the country.

Ahead of the LG council election, Mrs Ododo urged women in Kogi State to make their voices heard and vote en masse to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the local government election.