The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo has called for collective action to address the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in society.
She made the appeal during a program organized at the Government House, Lokoja, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In her speech, Mrs. Ododo emphasized the urgent need to tackle the root causes of GBV, highlighting its devastating effects on women, children, and families. She advocated for the promotion of family values such as love, tolerance, and mutual respect between spouses, as these are vital in reducing instances of domestic violence.
“Men must respect their spouses for the sacrifices they make in holding the family together,” she said.
The First Lady also called on women and girls to acquire knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to foster self-reliance, as empowerment is a critical tool in the fight against GBV. She noted that campaigns should extend to rural communities, where the prevalence of violence is often higher.
Hajia Sefinat pledged to work closely with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to address GBV, emphasizing that ending violence against women is a shared responsibility.
She commended the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and commitment to the fight against gender-based violence in Kogi State and across the country.
The event featured goodwill messages from various speakers who urged parents to instill respect for women’s rights in their sons and modesty in their daughters.
The program served as a platform to highlight the need for systemic and community-driven approaches to tackle GBV and ensure a safer, more equitable society for all.