The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has distributed 25kg bags of rice, cash, and clothing materials to 500 widows across the state.

Mrs Ododo, who launched the distribution on Saturday in Lokoja, reiterated her commitment to supporting women’s economic welfare, particularly widows.

She stated that each of the more than 500 selected widows from the 21 local government areas of the state would receive rice, clothing materials, and N20,000 to enhance their livelihoods.

“It is a privilege to fulfil our promise to the widows in our dear state and to fulfil the mandate of the Almighty Allah to look after their affairs in society.

“Today, we shall be sharing rice, clothes, and N20,000 cash gifts to each of more than 500 vulnerable widows across the state,” Mrs Ododo remarked.

She emphasised the importance of caring for the well-being of widows, asserting that a society that neglected their needs was an unfair society.

“It is my desire to continue to defend the economic interest of the widows. It is our responsibility to provide for their needs,” she said.

She also acknowledged the pain of losing a spouse and stressed that hunger and lack should not add to their suffering.

The governor’s wife urged government appointees and the public to support the Kogi government’s efforts in addressing the needs of widows.

She encouraged the widows to seek opportunities to sustain themselves and their children, noting that government support would significantly improve their lives.

She also reassured them that her husband would continue to prioritise the welfare of women, particularly widows, in the state.

Mrs Ododo also donated an additional N100,000 each to 10 widows who participated in a beauty pageant entertainment during the event, as empowerment funds to help them start businesses.

Kogi’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, and the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi Assembly, Comfort Nwuchiola, both commended Mrs Ododo for her passion and unwavering commitment to empowering women in Kogi.

Mrs Ojone Ojata, Chairperson of Widows’ Care, also thanked the governor’s wife for her continuous support for widows in the state.

Beneficiaries, including Bilikisu Onuchi, Ruth Arungbemi, and Juliana Ujah, expressed their gratitude to Mrs Ododo for alleviating their suffering.

 “We are grateful to our mother, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, for her passion to always empower Kogi women.

“May God bless her and our Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo,” Arungbemi prayed.

The  items distributed included 25kg bags of rice, N20,000 cash, and clothing materials to the 500 widows across 21 local government areas of Kogi State. (NAN)