By Ibikunle Fumilayo
The Kogi State Government through the Ododo cares Empowerment program on Thursday has empowered 120 women in the State with grinding and sewing machines in its quest to improve the likelihood of vulnerable women in the State and improve their economic value.
Addressing beneficiaries of the employment program in Lokoja on Thursday, wife of the Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo tasked the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity to improve the lives of those of their families.
She appealed to them to leverage on the opportunity provided by the State Government to contribute their quota to the development of the State and the sustainance of their families.
The First Lady posited that empowering women is fundamental to the economic growth of the State and promised that the government will maximize this to support small-scale enterprises eradicate poverty and enhance their socio-economic disposition.
Hajiya Sefinat implored them to reciprocate the State government's gesture by putting the machines to judicious use for the promotion of their businesses and survival of their families.
She warned against sales of the work tools given to them.
Hajiya Sefinat commended the commissioner for exceptional commitment to issues bordering on the empowerment of women and wealth creation.
In her welcome address, the State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh said the initiative was borne out of the desire to positively touch the lives of the people,and further cushion the effect of economic hardships in the country.
She explained that the high premium placed on women empowerment by the Governor Ododo-led administration in the State will help in the upliftment of women and the transformation of communities across the State.
The Commissioner pointed out that the 120 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 21 Local Government Area's of the State through a transparent process.
According to her,"Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards economic empowerment and self- sufficiency to the indigent women of Kogi State.
"The Ododo cares Empowerment Scheme champion by the Governor is a statement of our commitment to uplifting women and transforming communities.
"As we distribute these grinding and sewing machines, to over 100 beneficiaries, were are unlocking potentials, fostering empowerment, entrepreneurship and strengthening families.
We are breaking cycles of poverty and cultivating cultures of resilience.
"To our beneficiaries, I urged you to maximize these resources, innovate and create opportunities for yourself and others.
You are change makers and the backbone of our society.
Hajiya Momoh thanked Governor Ododo for his unwavering support and huge investment in women empowerment initiatives.
Your leadership has consolidated on the gains of our leader, former Governor Yahaya Bello.
She also lauded the Governor for the initiative which she described as,
"Inspiring the new generation of women leaders ".
Goodwill messages from the wife of the Deputy Governor and other stakeholders commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for assisting vulnerable women through social inclusions,the creation of enabling environments,and their consistency.
They pledged their support for the current administration's efforts towards women's economic empowerment initiatives, and transformational impact on families and communities across the State.
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