The First Lady of Kogi, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called on Nigerian women to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ododo made the call on Thursday at the 66th Independence Day celebration for women and children held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
She was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Margaret Salifu.
The First Lady said the celebration was organised to commemorate Nigeria’s historic journey to independence and to honour the enduring values of unity, peace, patriotism, resilience and service to the nation.
“Independence Day is not only a time to celebrate, but also to reflect on our responsibility. Everyone has a role to play,” she said.
Hajia Ododo urged mothers to continue to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, and to teach children to love the country, respect others, work hard and believe in its future.
“The value we give them today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. Our children are the future. We must raise them with good character, discipline and sense of responsibility,” she said.
She commended the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her Renewed Hope Initiative targeted at empowering women, supporting families and improving wellbeing of children.
In her remarks, the Deputy Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Egwaba, described the anniversary as 66 years of resilience, unity and oneness, saying it is a call to service.
She thanked Gov. Ahmed Ododo for being an ambassador of peace across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
“As legislators, we are always ready to do our part to ensure that peace and unity continues to reign in our nation,” Egwaba said.
The wife of the Speaker, Hajia Zainab Umar, said the day was for renewing commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, while commending the First Lady for her empowerment outreach programmes.
Also, the wife of the Attorney-General, Princess Kareemat Abdullahi, called for maximum support for the second term of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Ododo and the APC.
She urged women to take good care of themselves and their families.
The dignitaries, in their separate comments, solicited support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Gov. Ododo in 2027 and prayed for peace and prosperity of the nation.
