Kogi Gov's Wife Canvasses End to Gender-based Violence against Women in Kogi Central

Kogi Gov's Wife Canvasses End to Gender-based Violence against Women in Kogi Central 

By Tayo Onimisi Omodaiye, Okene

Wife of Kogi State Governor, Sefinatu Ododo, has reaffirmed her commitment to defend the rights of the girl child and combat gender-based violence in the state.

Speaking in Okene in the palace of the paramount ruler of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmed Tijani Mohammad Anaje, the first lady said the administration of governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has zero tolerance for gender-based violence, and the government is doing everything within its powers to ensure that the rights of girls, women and minors are adequately protected in the state.

Hajia Sefinatu called on all residents of the state to join hands in the fight to eradicate gender-based violence and end the scourge in Kogi state.

According to the governor's wife, gender-based violence, in all its forms, is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, whether it manifests as domestic violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, sexual harassment, or human trafficking, as it dehumanizes individuals, especially women and girls, and stunts the growth and development of communities.

Hajia Sefinatu commended the first lady of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her interest in the development of Nigeria women, and her husband, governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing women with opportunities in his administration, and demonstrating his support for women’s empowerment.

Also speaking at the event was the wife of the Kogi State Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Karimat Abdullahi. She revealed that gender based violence scourge has intensified in different settings, including the workplace and online spaces, and cautioned couples to live up to expectations and manage their homes with the fear of God.

On his part, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmed Tijani Mohammad Anaje praised Hajia Sefinatu Ododo for her timely intervention in the gender based violence against women in the state. He charged the men in his domain to be hardworking and uphold societal values.

Those who were present at the event included Director General of Kogi State Pensions Reform Commission, Hajia Mariam Ozioma Abedo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and social development, Mrs Fatima Momoh, other commissioners, religious and  traditional rulers.

Others were local government chairmen in Kogi central, policy makers, health workers, lawmakers, and Kogi central women numbering over 2000.