Copyright tribuneonlineng
The wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has emphasized the transformative power of supporting women, declaring that empowered women contribute to a stronger society and nation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bunu Women Development Forum (BWDF) on Saturday in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Mrs. Ododo underscored unity among women as a catalyst for unstoppable progress. “When a woman is supported, it builds her confidence and resilience,” Hajia Ododo stated. The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margaret Salifu, advocated for women to unite, support one another, and speak with one voice for a better society. She envisioned the BWDF as a platform promoting empowerment, love, security, and dignity for women — enabling them to achieve their dreams and restore peace in their communities. She pledged her office’s continued collaboration with women’s groups to support education and empower women toward self-reliance and dignity. “My office will work with credible women’s groups to promote female education and empower women to be self-reliant,” she affirmed. Hajia Ododo urged women to remain focused and committed to Kogi State’s development by supporting Governor Ahmed Ododo and President Bola Tinubu’s administrations. She assured attendees of her unwavering support, encouraging them to believe in themselves and to support one another for community, state, and national development. The State Security Adviser, Cdr. Jerry Omodara (rtd.), hailed the launch of BWDF as a pivotal step for women’s empowerment and societal progress. According to him, BWDF is a platform that will create opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills for women in over 40 communities across Bunu land. Omodara stressed that unity among women is crucial for collective advancement, adding that hardworking Bunu women can drive societal change with adequate support. He emphasized that the BWDF inauguration marked a significant step toward harnessing women’s potential for community and societal development in Kogi State. Omodara also assured continued support from officials and stakeholders for BWDF’s goals, noting that empowered women would partner with government and security agencies to promote a safer society. The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Olayinka Braimoh, announced a scholarship award from his Foundation to 100 girl-children in Bunu land. He commended Bunu women for their unity and commitment to empowerment, pledging his Foundation’s continued support. Braimoh also urged government to maintain an enabling environment for women’s progress in Kogi State. In her keynote address, Prof. Emily Alenika stressed women’s crucial role in nation-building and societal security through the upbringing of virtuous children. She advocated for women’s empowerment in education, entrepreneurship, and politics through mobilisation and participation, urging women to unite for self-empowerment. The Chairman of Kabba-Bunu LGA, Barr. Dare Zacchaeus, lauded the hard work and vision of Bunu women, assuring them of his support and encouraging unity. He also commended the state government’s efforts in combating banditry. The President of BWDF, Mrs. Bukola Aledare, highlighted the organisation’s mission to build capacity, promote economic independence, and preserve the cultural heritage of Bunu women. She said the forum’s launch underscored a commitment to strengthening families and communities through women’s empowerment. “When a woman is empowered, a family is strengthened; when families are strong, communities prosper,” Aledare emphasized. The BWDF president called on women to stand together in unity and love, supporting one another and mentoring younger generations. The Obaro of Odo-Ape, HRH Oba Elijah Meseko, praised efforts to address insecurity and commended the women’s initiative, stressing women’s integral role in nation-building. The monarch assured the traditional institution’s support for BWDF’s empowerment goals. A highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the BWDF logo, with the motto “Where Women Lead, Communities Prosper,” by the Deputy Governor’s wife on behalf of the First Lady. She also presented empowerment items to seven beneficiaries, including grinding machines, sewing machines, and hair dryers, among others. One of the beneficiaries, Christiana Jumai Joel, thanked BWDF and promised to make good use of the empowerment tools for personal and family growth. Stakeholders at the event urged women to remain united to attract more support and drive progress. Other dignitaries at the event included the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole; the Director General of the Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board, Prince Phillip Orebiyi; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Juwon Olorunnipa (Jumabee), among others. Also represented at the event were Hon. Duro Meseko, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC; Hon. Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education; Senator Sunday Karimi; and Rep. Idris Salman.
