FIC Report (Kogi State) – The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday deepened his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance as he flagged off the distribution of empowerment materials for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) under the Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives in Lokoja.
The event, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja witnessed the governor presenting a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as the official vehicle to the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for People Living with Disabilities. This move is widely applauded as a practical demonstration of government support for the vulnerable.
Speaking at the programme, which was part of the empowerment drive of the Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, the governor announced plans to push for a 50 per cent tuition waiver for PLWDs in Kogi State-owned tertiary institutions.
He said the proposal would soon be presented to the State Executive Council for consideration.
Governor Ododo also assured PLWDs of greater political inclusion, pledging that qualified persons with disabilities would be appointed into political offices as part of efforts to ensure that governance truly reflects the diversity of the society.
He commended his wife for what he described as her “giant strides” in touching the lives of the downtrodden through the Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives, noting that her leadership, humility, compassion and commitment to service form the foundation of the pet project.
According to him, Ohunene represents hope, dignity and support for the less privileged, stressing that people living with disabilities are an integral part of government and society.
“I desire a government that is felt in homes, not only seen on television sets,” the governor said, adding that the empowerment programme reflects his belief that power belongs to the people.
Governor Ododo also acknowledged the influence of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom he said exemplifies the philosophy that leadership is not reserved for the powerful alone, but for every member of society.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive governance style, resilience and economic policies, which he said are liberating the country from economic bondage.
Governor Ododo urged beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme to embrace wealth creation and use the support provided as a foundation for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Earlier, the Founder of Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, disclosed that 260 women were empowered with ₦100,000 each, while 100 beneficiaries with established businesses received ₦200,000 each.
She added that 500 persons were provided with mobility aids, including wheelchairs, arm crutches, leg supports and white canes, alongside a cash grant of ₦50,000 each
She also disclosed that persons with albinism benefited from ₦50,000 cash support and specialised creams to meet their unique health needs, underscoring the initiative’s focus on targeted and inclusive intervention.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for People Living with Disabilities, Yakubu Naziru Abdulhakim, described mobility aids as more than equipment, saying they are tools for independence, inclusion and survival.
He appealed to the state government to intensify efforts to end street begging, noting that proper education and empowerment would naturally eliminate the practice.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives, Mrs. Mary Agamalafia, said the initiative, in its first year, has recorded impactful strides, including the delivery of sustainable employment opportunities and the rehabilitation of 20 persons from drug abuse.
She emphasised that inclusion should not be seen as charity, stressing that progress is only meaningful when no one is left out.
Signed
Maryam Abubakar Gulma CIPRO
Federal Information Centre Lokoja
21st January 2026
