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By Deborah Agbonika
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the state.
This assurance was given at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja during the distribution of mobility aids to persons with disabilities by the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, through the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative.
While flagging off the empowerment programme, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended the First Lady for her dedication to inclusive service and advocacy for vulnerable groups. He announced several support measures for the PWD community, including financial assistance for women with disabilities, disabled women in business, persons with albinism, and other PWDs.
The governor also disclosed plans for the provision of an official vehicle and a bus for the PWD community, a proposed 50 percent tuition waiver for persons with disabilities in tertiary institutions, and the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant to further address disability related matters.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their inclusive leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it continues to inspire people focused initiatives at the state level.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State First Lady, Mrs. Sefinat Ododo, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her compassion toward women and the less privileged, which she said inspired the empowerment initiative. She explained that the programme was designed to improve the lives of women and persons with disabilities across the state.
Mrs. Ododo assured beneficiaries of sustained financial and moral support, reaffirming her commitment to stand with women with disabilities, persons with albinism, and the wider PWD community in advancing their welfare and inclusion.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, commended Governor Ododo for his service to the state and praised the First Lady for her compassion and inclusive approach toward people living with disabilities. She urged other public office holders to embrace inclusiveness within their respective communities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs, Hon. Yakubu Nazir, expressed gratitude to the state government for the provision of mobility aids and applauded the First Lady’s inclusive initiative. He described the aids as more than equipment, noting that they are tools for independence and dignity that will enable beneficiaries to access education, healthcare, workplaces, and economic opportunities, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
The empowerment programme marks another step in the Kogi State Government’s drive to promote inclusion, equality, and dignity for persons with disabilities.
