By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja
January 21, 2026
In a unique demonstration of inclusive and responsive governance, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, as the First Lady, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, empowered hundreds of vulnerable citizens through the Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives.
The Governor was present at the heartwarming empowerment ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, where the First Lady’s pet foundation distributed mobility aids and financial support to persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) drawn from across the state. Over 500 beneficiaries received essential mobility equipment, including wheelchairs, arm crutches, leg supports and white canes, aimed at enhancing independence and improving quality of life.
In addition to the mobility aids, the initiative delivered substantial financial empowerment. A total of 260 women were supported with ₦100,000 each, while 100 beneficiaries with established businesses received ₦200,000 each to strengthen their livelihoods. Persons living with disabilities also received cash grants of ₦50,000 each, while 25 persons living with albinism were provided with ₦50,000 and specialised sunscreen creams to address their unique health needs.
Speaking at the programme, the Governor announced plans to introduce a 50 per cent tuition waiver for persons living with disabilities in Kogi State–owned tertiary institutions, noting that the proposal would soon be presented to the State Executive Council for consideration. He also assured PLWDs of greater political inclusion, pledging that qualified persons with disabilities would be appointed into political offices to ensure governance truly reflects the diversity of society.
“I desire a government that is felt in homes, not only seen on television sets,” Governor Ododo declared, adding that the empowerment programme reflects his belief that power belongs to the people.
He stressed that people living with disabilities are an integral part of government and society, not objects of pity.
The Governor 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 project. According to him, Ohunene represents hope, dignity and practical support for the less privileged.
In a major highlight of the event, Governor Ododo presented 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, a gesture widely applauded as a concrete demonstration of government support for the vulnerable.
The Governor 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 helping to liberate the country from economic bondage.
Urging beneficiaries to make prudent use of the support, Governor Ododo encouraged them to embrace wealth creation and view the empowerment as a foundation for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Earlier, the Founder of Ohunene Empowerment Initiatives, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, explained that the programme was deliberately designed to combine compassion with sustainability. She disclosed that beyond cash support and mobility aids, the initiative prioritises targeted interventions that address the specific needs of different vulnerable groups, including persons living with albinism.
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,” stressing that 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, within its first year, has recorded impactful strides, including the creation of sustainable employment opportunities and the rehabilitation of 20 persons from drug abuse. She emphasised that inclusion should never be seen as charity, adding that “progress is only meaningful when no one is left out.”
The event was marked by emotions and gratitude as beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and the First Lady, describing the intervention as life-changing and a renewed source of hope and confidence in government.
