Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has promised to create more opportunities to ensure women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making in the state.

Mr Ododo gave the assurance in a statement through his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah, to mark the “2024 International Women’s Day” celebration on Friday in Lokoja.

The governor praised the women for their extraordinary contributions to the development of Kogi and assured them of the total support of his administration.

Mr Ododo said there was a need for more efforts and work that would address the challenges facing women in Kogi.

He commended the progress made towards gender equality in addressing gender-based violence and bridging gaps in opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship and political leadership in the state.

“As we celebrate our women on this special day, let us reflect on how the courage and determination of women around the world have shaped human progress in civil liberties.

“We must remember that despite the heights attained by women in education, medical sciences, sports entrepreneurship, and leadership, women still face violence and discrimination in several spheres of life.

“We must work hard to break down these barriers and ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have opportunities to reach their full potential in our society,” said Mr Ododo.

Mr Ododo emphasised the need to invest in critical areas such as education, maternal and child care, enhanced girl-child wellbeing, and the elimination of gender-based violence.

Mr Ododo restated his administration’s commitment to devote more resources to developing women and youth in the state.

“This is another mark of sustaining the achievements of my predecessor, Yahaya Bello, who made women the centrepiece of his administration in the state in the last eight years.

“We must support women to grow economically, socially and politically, and also combat violence against women as we sustain our zero-tolerance policy for all forms of discrimination against women in our state,” the governor said.

He promised to continue prioritising the welfare of the state’s people in his quest to consolidate the achievements of the immediate past administration. 

(NAN)