From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo has urged leaders, organisations and individuals to join hands in accelerating actions to promote gender equalities.

Ododo made the call at a program organised by her office as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with the theme, “Accelerate Action on Gender Parity”, at Government House, Lokoja.

Ododo, who was represented by Kogi Deputy Governor’s wife, Margaret Salifu, stressed the need to continue to strive for a world where women and girls have equal opportunities, rights, and freedoms.

She implored the society to create an environment where women could pursue their ambitions without fear of discrimination or violence to ensure gender equality.

The Kogi first lady acknowledged the strength, resilience, and determination demonstrated by women in their quest to change negative gender narratives and stereotypes in the society.

She reaffirmed her dedication towards advancing women and girls’ cause in Kogi through initiatives that promote education, economic inclusion, social justice, and strengthening advocacy against gender-based violence (GBV).

She therefore urged the women never to allow anything to hold them back, but to stand tall, speak up and take their rightful place in the society, stressing that their voice matters a lot.

She commended the wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for leading from the front to ensure that women are empowered, and accelerate actions for gender equality.

In their separate remarks, Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh; and Kogi Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mrs Comfort Nwuchiola, jointly called for accelerated actions to build a society where women are given opportunities to thrive and excel.

A guest Speaker, Oyiza Sadiq, who presented a paper on “Accelerated Action on Gender Parity”, stressed the need to mitigate gender based violence (GBV) in the society by creating adequate awareness and sensitisation.

Also speaking, the Kogi Chairperson of Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kogi, Barr. Oluwakemi Omeiza, who made a presentation on “Empowering Women To Know Their Rights”, commended the governor’s wife for celebrating the rights of women in Kogi.

She stressed the need to raise both male and female children equally by building confidence in them, while urging women to acquire skills to be useful and self reliant.

Omeiza appealed to the state government and corporate organisations for provision of shelter or accommodation for women and children who are victims of GBV.

On her part, Blessing Okeku, Leader of Lokoja Self Help Group Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), urged governments, policy makers and relevant stakeholders to take concrete steps to address the disparities faced by women with disabilities.