No fewer than 200 women and vulnerable residents of Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency have received cash grants, food items and wrappers through an empowerment programme initiated by the wife of the Kogi State Governor, Sefinat Ododo.
The intervention, held on Thursday at the palace of the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, formed part of a grassroots support initiative designed to ease the impact of economic hardship and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the distribution, Mrs Ododo said each beneficiary received a N50,000 grant alongside food supplies and wrappers to help meet household needs and strengthen small-scale economic activities.
She explained that the empowerment of women and support for vulnerable citizens remained a key aspect of her commitment to fostering stronger, more united and economically stable communities across the state.
According to her, improving the welfare of women has a direct impact on family stability, community peace and long-term development.
Mrs Ododo stressed the importance of extending support to disadvantaged members of society, noting that every citizen deserves access to opportunities and a dignified standard of living irrespective of their economic status.
She also appealed to individuals, private organisations and development partners to work with government in expanding social protection programmes and creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Earlier, the governor’s wife paid a courtesy visit to the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, Saidu Salihu, where she lauded the traditional ruler for his efforts in maintaining peace and fostering unity within the community.
She described peace and social cohesion as critical drivers of development and acknowledged the contributions of traditional institutions to community growth and stability.
In his response, Salihu commended Mrs Ododo for the intervention, describing it as a meaningful initiative that had brought relief and renewed hope to many vulnerable residents.
The monarch encouraged her to sustain the programme and also applauded the state government for ongoing investments in healthcare, education, youth development and women empowerment.
Some beneficiaries, including Sadiat Umar and Rita Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for the support, describing the intervention as timely.
They said the cash grants would help strengthen their businesses, while the food items would reduce household expenses, adding that the programme had promoted a sense of inclusion and community unity.
