The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated her dedication to empowering women, enhancing healthcare and education, and combating drug abuse, as she extended New Year greetings to the people of the state.
In her message, Mrs. Ododo emphasized that empowering women is crucial to societal progress.
She pledged to advance initiatives that create economic and social opportunities for women in Kogi State while reaffirming her commitment to youth development and supporting vulnerable groups.
The First Lady also praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “Renewed Hope Initiative,” which she said has uplifted Nigerian women, including those in Kogi, by providing tools for economic growth and capacity building.
Healthcare Interventions and Advocacy
During the New Year festivities, Mrs. Ododo led various outreach efforts aimed at alleviating financial burdens on families.
These included distributing antenatal kits, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, food items, and cash to over 120 patients.
She visited medical facilities such as the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Iruvochinomi, where she urged women to prioritize antenatal care and called on healthcare workers to maintain professionalism.
Dr. Jibrin Umar, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal University Lokoja Teaching Hospital, commended Mrs. Ododo’s healthcare initiatives and stressed the need for government support to address manpower gaps in the sector.
Advocacy Against Drug Abuse
The First Lady also raised concerns about the rising impact of drug abuse among youths.
During her visit to Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital in Upogoro, she urged parents, particularly mothers, to engage with their children actively and address the issue.
“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 said.
Focus on Family and Community Unity
While presenting gifts to families, Mrs. Ododo stressed the importance of family unity and the pivotal role of mothers as homemakers.
She urged women to support their husbands through love, prayers, and respect while raising disciplined children.
Mrs. Ododo also called for continued support for her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to enable the administration to deliver more democratic dividends to the people of Kogi State.
Patients and families expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s outreach, describing it as timely and impactful.