The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated the need for greater societal support for widows and the elderly, emphasizing that they must not be left to struggle alone.

Speaking at the Government House in Lokoja during an empowerment program, Mrs. Ododo distributed rice, clothing, and cash gifts to 500 widows drawn from all 21 local government areas of the state.

“Widows and the elderly are valuable members of our society, and we must not neglect them. Their economic stability is crucial not just for their survival but for the overall growth of our nation,” she stated.

Mrs. Ododo urged political leaders, organizations, and well-meaning individuals to join efforts in supporting widows, emphasizing that government alone cannot bear the responsibility.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring widows are empowered through job opportunities and business support. With the right assistance, they can become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to society,” she added.

Reaffirming her dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups, the First Lady assured that her office remains committed to providing sustained support and opportunities for widows across the state.
“My doors remain open at all times to provide assistance. We will keep working to alleviate their burdens and create opportunities for a better future,” she pledged.

The initiative is another milestone in the Ododo administration’s commitment to social welfare and economic empowerment, ensuring that widows are not just supported but also given a chance to thrive.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.

Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,

“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.

The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.

Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.

May his soul rest in peace.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.

Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.

She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.

“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.

The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.

Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.