Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has pledged to create more opportunities to ensure women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making in the state.
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.
Ododo said that there was a need for more efforts and work that would address the challenges facing the women in Kogi.
He commended the progress made toward gender equality in addressing Gender-Based Violence and bridging gaps in opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship and political leadership in the state.
“Women play pivotal roles in the development of any individual, family and society. They are the bedrock of our community development, raising families and driving economic growth.
“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.”
Ododo emphasised the need to invest in critical areas such as education, maternal and child care, enhanced girl child wellbeing, and elimination of gender-based violence.
He further stressed that his commitment to improving affirmative action was aimed at advancing the political and economic relevance of women.
Ododo restated his administration’s commitment to devote more resources to the development of women and youth in the state.
“This is another mark of sustaining the achievements of my predecessor, Alhaji 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 promised to continue to prioritise the welfare of the people of the state in his quest to consolidate the achievements of the immediate past administration.
