Kogi’s first lady, Sefinat Ododo, has called on governments at all levels, community leaders and other stakeholders to enhance their support for women and advance gender equality in the state.

Ms Ododo made the call on Sunday in Lokoja while hosting women’s groups from across the state to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed ‘Give to Gain’.

She highlighted the importance of investing time, resources and opportunities in women to achieve sustainable development and stronger communities.

According to her, educating girls and creating opportunities for women remain key steps towards building a better society.

The governor’s wife said that when women are empowered with education, skills and leadership opportunities, the benefits extend beyond the individual to families, communities and the nation.

“Every act of support, no matter how small, creates changes that reach far beyond what we see today,” she said.

She said that meaningful progress in gender equality required deliberate and sustained efforts from all sectors of society.

Ododo described the celebration as a clarion call for stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, community leaders and young people, to play an active role in advancing gender equality.

She said that the quest for equality must be intentional if societies were to reap the full benefits of women’s contributions.

She restated that the celebration’s theme “reinforces the idea that empowering women in communities, workplaces and governance leads to greater development and economic growth”.

The Kogi first lady further said, “When women are given opportunities, families become stronger, and societies become more stable. When you educate a girl, you raise future leaders. When you give women opportunities, you gain stronger families and a better society.”

Mrs Ododo explained that giving support and encouragement to women helps build resilient communities. She said that empowering women remained her priority, adding that “the rise of a woman translates to the rise of a community”.

The Kogi first lady urged citizens to contribute their time, resources and voices to support women and girls around them, while also protecting the vulnerable and promoting fairness.

She commended Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to advancing the welfare of women across the country.

She said the impact of her Renewed Hope Initiative and leadership demonstrated that true democracy is rooted in compassion, inclusion and the strengthening of families and communities. 

(NAN)