Government at all levels have been implored to take necessary steps to protect women’s right and support them to build a virile nation.
Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo made the call during a ceremony at the Government House Lokoja to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.
Hajia Sefinat Ododo said women continue to play pivotal role in shaping the society hence they must be protected from sexual and gender-based violence.
Hajia Sefinat restated Governor Ododo’s commitment to tackling poverty, insecurity, access to healthcare and the menace of out of school children in the state.
According to the Kogi State First Lady, various programmes have been initiated by her office to empower women and young girls in in last eight months.
She mentioned the provision of grants to over 1000 women in small and medium businesses across the state, enhancement of girl child education and vocational training to safeguard the future of young girls and women as some of the highlights of her achievements.
She expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support and empowerment programme across the country describing her as a beacon of hope for women in Nigeria.
Mrs Ododo assured the gathering that the Kogi State Governor would not disappoint the women and youths in the state.
While calling on the men to cherish and love their female counterparts at all times, the Wife of the Kogi State Governor appealed to women to continue to support and pray for their families, husbands and leaders in the country.
Ahead of the LG council election, Mrs Ododo urged women in Kogi State to make their voices heard and vote en masse to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the local government election.