The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, has distributed cash, visual aids, and mobility equipment to 500 members of People Living With Disability (PLWD) in the state.

The initiative was facilitated by the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, founded by the First Lady.

In her welcome address on Wednesday at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Hajiya Ododo emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Today, we remind one another that nobody is forgotten in Kogi State.” She also expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support.

She said the programme would provide business opportunities for 100 PLWD, empower 260 women, and offer mobility support to 260 persons with disabilities. “Under the programme, 260 women will receive N100,000 each, 100 persons living with disabilities will get N200,000 each for their businesses, and 260 persons living with disabilities will receive N50,000 each. Additionally, wheelchairs, armpit crutches, walking sticks, guide canes, and elbow crutches will be distributed to those in need,” she said.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who flagged off the distribution, praised his wife for the initiative, describing it as a step towards fostering a disability-inclusive society. “What we are witnessing here today is a statement—a statement that leadership must touch the poor, lift the forgotten, and give voice to those society has ignored,” he said.

The governor presented an official vehicle and promised a bus for the Office of Persons with Disabilities Affairs, as well as a 50% tuition waiver in state tertiary institutions for PLWDs. He stressed that the initiative would promote economic independence, dignity, and social progress for women and persons with disabilities. Both the governor and his wife urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely to improve their lives and contribute to the state’s development.

The Coordinator of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, Mrs Mary Agamalafia, said the organisation was thrilled to have made a positive impact on the lives of people in Kogi State, particularly women, children, victims of drug abuse and molestation, widows, and the less privileged. “We believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and we will continue to work towards creating opportunities for all,” Agamalafia said. She added that the organisation was committed to doing more, especially for persons with disabilities.

Earlier, Mr Yakubu Abdulhakeem, Executive Secretary for Persons with Disabilities in Kogi State, lauded the initiative, saying, “This intervention promotes empowerment, participation, and improves quality of life.” He presented a few requests to the governor, including support for PLWDs in tertiary institutions and the appointment of a Special Adviser representing disabilities.

A beneficiary, Daniel Arome, Chairman of the Persons with Disabilities Association, Kogi State, praised the governor and his wife for their kindness and commitment to their welfare. Arome described the initiative as a historic milestone for PLWDs in the state.

“For the first time, we have received such significant support, and it has brought tears of joy to our eyes,” he said. “With this mobility aid, we are confident that we can contribute more effectively to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.” Arome assured the government of the association’s continued support and promised to vote for the governor in future elections.