The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to strengthening programmes that promote the welfare and protection of women and vulnerable groups.
Hon. Okpanachi stated this while defending the Ministry’s proposed 2026 budget before the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja.
According to her, the government plans to do a lot through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, despite existing challenges confronting the sector.
She identified the absence of a functional safe space as one of the major gaps affecting the ministry’s operations.
The commissioner noted that the establishment of a safe space in Kogi State is crucial to providing protection and support for women and girls, noting that the ministry requires the attention and backing of relevant authorities to address this need, alongside other operational shortcomings.
Hon. Okpanachi, however, expressed satisfaction with the level of attention already being given to the ministry’s concerns by the present administration, describing the budget defence process as encouraging and reassuring.
She thanked members of the Assembly for their engagement and support, adding that she remains confident that the 2026 budget, when approved, will further enhance the ministry’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.