The Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has advocated for economic empowerment for women by creating enabling environment to fulfilling their dreams.
Mrs Ododo stated this on Friday at a program organised by her Office in collaboration with Kogi Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to celebrate the 2024 International Women Day (IWD).
The governor’s wife
congratulated women in Kogi, Nigeria and globally for their resilience in spite of all challenges faced.
The Kogi first lady stressed the need to work towards creating an enabling environment to empower women and children to pursue their dreams free of intimidation.
According to her, women’s economic empowerment transcends financial independence, as it involves ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making for women and girls.
“We must work towards creating an enabling environment to empower women and children to pursue their dreams free from intimidation; in so doing women shall one day be free from oppression to have equal chance to achieve their dreams,” she said.
She assured of her total support for women and children in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, employment and skills acquisition, among others.
“As a mother, I promise my total support for women and children’s development at various levels to achieving their dreams for sustainable economic growth of the state,” she said.
Earlier In her welcome address, the Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, promised government’s commitment to prioritizing policies that foster women’s economic empowerment in the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration to advancing women’s economic empowerment through viable policies.
She said that the government would be leveraging on the state’s natural resources and traditional industries for women’s economic empowerment.
“The Kogi empowerment program would focus on supporting self-reliance and internal capacity of women.
“We will ensure genuine investment in the growth of women and the well-being of the girlchild, and harnessing women’s creative skills for sustainable growth.
“Empowering women is not just about justice but a prerequisite for comprehensive, sustainable development.
“Additionally, gender-responsive policies and legislation that are vital to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring inclusivity in governance will equally be prioritized,” Momoh said.
The commissioner stressed that the initiatives would include skills training, access to finance and entrepreneurship support, especially in rural areas.
According to her, by creating an inclusive environment, we aim to strengthen the economy and provide financial security for women and their families.
She announced that the ministry would hold its first empowerment program in April 2024, assuring that all the necessary details would be announced in due time.
“I urge us to keep moving, to keep celebrating women’s achievements while reaffirming our commitment to an inclusive world,” she said.
The theme for 2024 IWD celebration, is “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment,” aimed at promoting gender equality.
Over 49 Women Groups from across the 21 local government areas of the state were present at the events to celebrate the international women’s in a grand style.
The highlights of the occasion was the display of Cultural dances by various cultural troupes as well as Health talk and Paper presentation on the theme of this year’s international women’s day celebration.