In a New Year message brimming with hope and purpose, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, has unveiled a comprehensive vision to address critical societal challenges, prioritizing women empowerment, healthcare access, and the fight against drug abuse.
Beyond traditional celebrations, Mrs. Ododo’s outreach during the festivities set a remarkable tone for 2025, emphasizing grassroots impact and sustainable development.
Her activities spanned visits to hospitals, donations of essential supplies, and dialogues with vulnerable groups, signaling a commitment to inclusive governance.
A highlight of her engagements was her visit to the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Iruvochinomi, where Mrs. Ododo distributed antenatal kits, pharmaceutical drugs, and food items to over 120 patients.
The donations were not only a gesture of care but also a strategic intervention to ease the financial burdens faced by families seeking medical assistance.
During the visit, Mrs. Ododo emphasized maternal health, urging women to prioritize antenatal care and security awareness. Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Jibrin Umar of the Association of Resident Doctors, commended her efforts while calling for long-term government investment to address workforce shortages in the sector.
Mrs. Ododo’s engagements also spotlighted the rising menace of drug abuse among youths. Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital in Upogoro, she called on parents, especially mothers, to play active roles in monitoring and guiding their children.
“Drug abuse is eroding the foundation of our society. As mothers, we must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive to ensure our children remain on the right path,” she implored.
Her advocacy for stronger family values resonated deeply, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to tackle substance abuse through education and rehabilitation programs.
Beyond healthcare and drug prevention, Mrs. Ododo reiterated her resolve to empower women economically and socially, describing them as the backbone of societal progress. She acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose “Renewed Hope Initiative” has uplifted Nigerian women, including those in Kogi State.
Mrs. Ododo pledged to expand access to skills acquisition programs, financial literacy training, and microfinance opportunities, providing women with tools for economic independence and stability.
As Kogi State enters a new year, the First Lady’s initiatives reflect a clear roadmap for growth anchored on unity and inclusivity. She appealed for continued support for her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to deliver more democratic dividends.
Grateful beneficiaries described her interventions as timely and life-changing, underscoring the transformative power of compassionate leadership.
Mrs. Ododo’s New Year outreach serves as both inspiration and challenge—reminding stakeholders that real development is rooted in collective effort, care, and accountability. Her actions affirm that 2025 holds the promise of a stronger, healthier, and more empowered Kogi State.