No fewer than 420 women across the 21 local government councils of Kogi State on Wednesday benefited from an empowerment programme of the wife of the governor, Mrs Rashida Bello.
The programme organised as part of the celebration of the 2017 International Women’s day, saw 20 beneficiaries selected from each of the local governments.
According to her, the empowerment, which was a cash donation, would assist the women in their trades, noting that if the money is judiciously used it could expand their businesses.
She noted that through her pet project, the Kogi Women and Youth Advancement Foundation (KOWYAF), had been used to bring succor to the vulnerable in the society.
She however urged the people of the state to identify with the widows of fallen heroes and ex-service men like late Lt. Col Abu Ali’s wife and others who sacrificed their comfort, companionship, and joy to allow their spouse risk and lay their lives for their father land.
“KOWYAF will be empowering our women across the 21 local government areas who are petty traders with small capital to start or enhance their petty businesses,” she noted.
According to her, the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello recognised women as agents of change, and this is why women empowerment is topmost on his New Direction Agenda.
The commissioner for women affairs and social development, Mrs Bolanle Ampitan, said women should brace up and occupy their rightful positions in the society.
She stressed that the women had what it takes to effect positive change as women, adding “we have the gut, we have the energy, we have the will, and we only need the boldness to confront and overcome the fears that comes with change.”
She pointed out that women have a big role to play in terms of moral decadence among children and youth of today adding that they have role to play as home maker.
Her words,” Be a responsible parent. Check on your Ward, be interested in all that they do and pay attention to the minutes details. We can raise a morally sound generation ones again.”
