In a landmark intervention that is redefining disability inclusion and social welfare in Kogi State, the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, founded by the First Lady of Kogi State, Her Excellency, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, has empowered hundreds of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elderly women across the state, reaffirming the Ododo administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social justice.
The large-scale empowerment programme, which cut across all local government areas and extended down to the ward level, provided a blend of mobility support, financial assistance, and dignity-restoring interventions to some of the most vulnerable populations in the state. The initiative stands as one of the most comprehensive disability-inclusive social welfare programmes recorded in recent history in Kogi State.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs, Hon. Yakubu Nazir Abdulhakeem (popularly known as “Brain Not Legs”), expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his wife, Her Excellency, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, for what he described as compassionate and visionary leadership.
Hon. Abdulhakeem particularly highlighted the Governor and First Lady’s rare display of personal support to disability leadership, noting that the gracious donation of a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to him was not just an act of generosity, but a powerful symbol of recognition, inclusion, and trust in the capacity of persons with disabilities to lead and serve effectively.
“This gesture is deeply humbling and sends a strong message that persons with disabilities are seen, valued, and supported at the highest level of governance in Kogi State,” he said.
Massive Empowerment Across Disability Clusters
According to details of the programme, the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative empowered over 250 persons with disabilities with wheelchairs, restoring mobility and independence to many who had been previously constrained. Another 250 beneficiaries received white canes to support persons with visual impairments, while 250 persons were provided with elbow crutches, and an additional 250 received armpit crutches, ensuring that mobility needs across different disability categories were carefully addressed.
In a rare show of holistic intervention, 50 persons living with albinism were also supported with sun protection creams, addressing a critical but often neglected health need within the disability community.
In a move widely applauded by stakeholders, every beneficiary who received a mobility aid was also given a cash support of ₦50,000, aimed at boosting personal independence, easing daily challenges, and supporting basic economic activities.
Financial Empowerment for PWDs and Elderly Women
Beyond assistive devices, the initiative extended direct economic empowerment to vulnerable citizens. Two hundred and fifty (250) persons with disabilities and one hundred (100) elderly women were each empowered with ₦200,000, providing capital support to strengthen livelihoods, enhance financial security, and restore dignity.
Observers have described the intervention as a “mega empowerment programme” that prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, noting that its reach across all local government areas and wards reflects deliberate planning to leave no one behind.
A Reflection of Inclusive and Compassionate Leadership
Hon. Abdulhakeem described the programme as a historic milestone that mirrors the inclusive vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stressing that the initiative underscores a government committed to social justice, equity, and equal opportunities, especially for marginalized populations.
“This intervention vividly reflects a leadership that understands that true development is measured not only by infrastructure, but by how a society treats its most vulnerable,” he stated.
He further commended the First Lady, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, for positioning the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative as a people-centered platform that addresses real needs and delivers tangible impact within a short time.
Prayers and Hope for Sustainability
Hon. Abdulhakeem offered prayers for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the Governor and First Lady as they remain steadfast in service to humanity. He also expressed optimism that the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative will continue to grow, expand its reach, and serve as a model for disability-inclusive and age-sensitive interventions not only in Kogi State but across Nigeria.
As beneficiaries and advocates continue to celebrate the programme, the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative has clearly set a new benchmark—one that places dignity, inclusion, and compassion at the heart of governance, and sends a resounding message that persons with disabilities and elderly women matter.
