The wife of Kogi State Governor Hajia Amina Bello has tasked parents to prioritise the education and training of their female children to make them valuable contributors to society.
Hajia Bello made this call on Wednesday in Kuroko, Adavi local government area of Kogi State, during the commissioning of the modern Ohuogogo market and streetlight projects executed under the Kogi State Special Intervention Project Development Plan, supported by the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA).
According to her, the time has come for housewives to respect and support their husbands in the upbringing of their children, especially the female child, to empower them to face future challenges.
“It is evident that the future of your old age depends on how well you train your children for a better tomorrow. Gone are the days when some parents relegated their female children to hawking petty items, denying them the opportunity to go to school.
“I appeal to parents, guardians, fathers, and mothers to support each other in the education and skill acquisition of their children,” she appealed.
Addressing the ancient Ohuogogo market, Mrs. Bello, who recounted her experience of selling petty items in the market with her grandmother years ago, expressed her gratitude to God and her husband for supporting her dream of transforming the local community market into a modern facility. She promised to do more for Kuroko community and other communities.
“It was in this market that I learned how to give to those who don’t have. Whatever I have become today started from this small market. Even in my university days, I sold recharge cards and Belgian wears because I learned the art of selling and buying in the market. In fact, I am fulfilled today seeing this market in a modern form,” she said.
In his speech, the General Manager of KGCSDA, Alhaji Momoh Dauda, described the project as a landmark achievement for Hajia Amina Bello, stating that the market would serve Kuroko community and other adjoining communities in Adavi local government area.
“It is a joy that this ancient Ohuogogo market has been revitalized. I strongly urge the users of the market to take good care so that the facilities in the shops and the market can serve them for a long period of time,” he said.
He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his support that led to the completion of the project.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Kuroko Community Development Association (KCDA), Alhaji Salami Mohammed Onipe, provided a brief history of the market, stating that it has been in existence for over 150 years as a roadside market that survived extinction. He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for the numerous projects executed in Kuroko and praised Hajia Amina Bello for facilitating projects to improve the welfare and well-being of her people.
The market consists of 24 open shops and 12 closed shops to enhance buying and selling activities in the market.
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