Kogi First Lady reiterates commitment to women empowerment, access to healthcare, fight against drug abuse

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated her commitment to women empowerment, enhancing access to healthcare, education and fight against drug abuse as she extends New Year felicitations to the people of Kogi State.

In her message to the people of the state, the wife of the Kogi State Governor also reaffirmed her dedication to youth development and support for vulnerable groups in society.

Mrs. Ododo emphasized the importance of empowering women as the cornerstone of societal progress, pledging to advance initiatives that provide economic and social opportunities for women in Kogi State.

She expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her impact on the lives of the people under the “Renewed Hope Initiative,” which according to the Kogi First Lady, has uplifted Nigerian women, including those in Kogi state by providing tools for economic growth and capacity building.

Highlights of the First Lady’s engagement during the New Year festivities include healthcare interventions, support for families, and advocacy against drug abuse.

The First Lady distributed antenatal kits, medical supplies, pharmaceutical drugs, food items, and cash to over 120 patients, underscoring her commitment to easing the financial burdens on families, particularly during the festive season.

Mrs. Ododo visited key medical facilities, including Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Iruvochinomi where she advised women to prioritize their health, attend antenatal care promptly, and remain security-conscious. She urged the healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and diligence to save lives, as emphasized by Dr. Jibrin Umar, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal University Lokoja, Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

Dr. Umar advised pregnant women to seek antenatal services early to prevent complications and ensure safe deliveries. He lauded Mrs. Ododo’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery, calling for sustained government support in addressing manpower gaps in the health sector.

During her presentation of gift items to families, Mrs Ododo reiterated the importance of family unity and the role of mothers as homemakers and implored women to support their husbands through love, prayers, and respect while raising children in a secure and disciplined environment.

Mrs. Ododo also appealed for continued support for her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to enable the administration to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Patients and families across the hospitals and other locations visited expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s generosity and compassion. Many described her outreach as a timely intervention that has brought relief to struggling households.

During her ongoing outreach to medical facilities, Mrs. Ododo highlighted the alarming impact of drug abuse among youths, urging stakeholders and parents, especially mothers, to take proactive measures to curb the menace.

Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital, Upogoro, Mrs Ododo called on women to actively monitor and engage with their children to address potential challenges.

“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 appealed.

As Kogi State embarks on the journey of 2025, Mrs. Ododo’s initiatives reflect a vision centred on unity, empowerment, and sustainable development, promising a brighter future for women, children, and all citizens of the state.