By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, has called on the State Government to provide more support to the Ministry of Women Affairs to enhance its effectiveness.
In an interview with newsmen at the Assembly Complex in Lokoja, Egwaba stressed that this call is necessary to enable the Ministry to upscale its empowerment programs, protection efforts, and training initiatives for women and the girl-child.
She expressed deep concern over the deteriorating welfare of women, girls, children, and especially Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs).
According to her, since the creation of the State in 1991, the Ministry of Women Affairs had been vested with responsibilities such as monitoring schools, managing the Amusement Park established for the recreation of children, and facilitating the training and empowerment of women. These efforts had previously helped generate substantial revenue for the state.
Egwaba regretted that in recent times, the Ministry had been stripped of some of these responsibilities, leading to a drop in the revenue that had been generated from these activities.
The Deputy Speaker, therefore, urged the government to support the Ministry to enable it to perform efficiently and effectively.
“We call on the government to restore its lost glory, as that is where women can truly benefit. We need to collaborate with the Humanitarian Ministry to address the needs and aspirations of women and girls. We also want other Ministries to align with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s benevolent leadership approach, so we can all have a better Kogi State,” Egwaba implored.
Egwaba also mentioned that several state laws have been repealed and reenacted by the state House of Assembly to benefit Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs).
She expressed the commitment and readiness of the 8th Assembly to support women, girls, and individuals with special needs to improve their quality of life