The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated her commitment to women empowerment, improved healthcare, education, and the fight against drug abuse as she extended New Year greetings to the people of Kogi State.
In her New Year message, Mrs. Ododo emphasized her dedication to youth development and supporting vulnerable groups in the society. She highlighted the importance of empowering women, describing it as pivotal to societal progress. She pledged to champion initiatives that provide economic and social opportunities for women in the state.
Mrs. Ododo expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her transformative “Renewed Hope Initiative,” which has positively impacted women across Nigeria, including Kogi State. She acknowledged the initiative’s role in equipping women with tools for economic growth and capacity building.
During the New Year celebrations, the First Lady spearheaded several interventions, including distributing antenatal kits, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, food items, and cash to over 120 patients. These efforts aimed to ease the financial burdens of families, especially during the festive period.
As part of her outreach, Mrs. Ododo visited key medical facilities, including Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Iruvochinomi, where she urged women to prioritize their health, attend antenatal care promptly, and remain security-conscious. She encouraged healthcare workers to uphold professionalism and diligence in saving lives, echoing the advice of Dr. Jibrin Umar, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal University Lokoja Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Umar lauded Mrs. Ododo’s contributions to improving healthcare delivery and urged the government to address manpower challenges in the health sector.
Mrs. Ododo also emphasized family values, urging mothers to promote unity and discipline in their households while supporting their husbands through love and prayers. She appealed to Kogi residents to continue supporting her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to enable his administration to deliver more developmental projects.
Patients and families across the state expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s generosity, describing her outreach as a timely intervention that has provided relief to many struggling households.
In her ongoing advocacy, Mrs. Ododo raised concerns about the growing menace of drug abuse among youths. Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital, Upogoro, she called on parents, especially mothers, to monitor their children closely and guide them toward positive paths.
“Drug abuse is tearing apart our future generation, and as mothers, we must rise to the challenge. Bring your children closer, understand their issues, and guide them on the right path,” she urged.
As the state begins 2025, Mrs. Ododo’s initiatives reflect her vision of unity, empowerment, and sustainable development, offering hope for a brighter future for women, children, and all citizens of Kogi State.
Media Office of the First Lady, Kogi State
January 3, 2025
