Mrs Tinubu donates 50,000 notebooks to pupils in Kogi

 

The Wife of Nigeria's President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 50,000 notebooks to public Primary schools in Kogi State under her "Renewed Hope Initiative" project.

The distribution of the note books was flagged off by the wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, on Thursday at Glass House, Government House Lokoja.

In her remarks, Hajia Ododo appreciated the President's wife for her commitment to education development and empowerment of children in public schools across the country.

She commended Mrs Tinubu for her visionary leadership and passion to ensuring quality education for all, stressing that the initiative remained an inspiration worthy of emulation.

The Kogi governor's wife promised to continue to emulate and support the Nigeria's first lady for a better output, noting that the notebooks were being distributed across the 36 States of the federation.

Mrs Ododo urged the people of Kogi to continue to support her husband to take Kogi to greater heights.

She reaffirmed the governor's commitment to continue to bridging the gaps in ensuring quality education in the state.

She advised the pupils to take their studies seriously while urging the stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of the notebooks across public primary schools in the state.

Also speaking, the state's Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, commended the wife of the President for the gesture towards the development of education in Kogi State.

Jones emphasised that education palliative remained the most sustainable assistance to the people, stressing that Gov. Ododo's administration would not compromise the educational needs of Kogi children.

"We are indeed very grateful to the wife of the President for the gesture because palliative in education is the most sustainable palliative that you can give because education is the bedrock of any development," he said

Jones stressed that the former Governor, Alh Yahaya Bello, handed over to Ododo who had been trained and groomed to take education to another higher level in Kogi State. 

The Commissioner assured that the necessary structure had been put in place to ensure that the notebooks get to the targeted beneficiaries.

Jones reaffirmed the commitment of Ododo's administration to ensure that education remained free at basic and secondary levels in public schools across the state.

"Education is free in Kogi. We are paying for all exams; both internal and external examinations at basic and secondary school levels in the state.

"As a ministry, we are irreversibly committed to taking education to higher level in Kogi because we have a governor that is fully ready and committed to education development," Jones said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Momoh appreciated the Mrs Tinubu's efforts in improving education standards in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Secretaeies in the state, the Chairman Forum of Education Secretaries, Mall. Salihu Usman, appreciated the initiative and promised to ensure the distribution with fairness.

The highlight of the occasion was the flagg off of the notebooks' distribution by Kogi first lady, who subsequently handed them over to the commissioner for education for onward distribution to pupils across the state.

By Stephen Adeleye 

Kogi First Lady restates commitment to championing menstrual hygiene management promotion

 

The Kogi State First Lady, Her Excellency, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed her resounding commitment to championing the cause of menstrual hygiene and promoting a #PeriodFriendlyWorld for the women and girls of Kogi State. 

Hajia Ododo gave the assurance in Lokoja as part of activities to mark the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day commemoration organised by Heal for Africa Initiative (HFAI), tagged:"#PeriodFriendlyWorld".

May 28, 2024 marks the celebration of the 10th edition of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and education about menstrual hygiene. 

Whille commending the Founder of HFAI, Dr Kelechi Okoro for the NGOs activities in Kogi State, the Kogi first lady pledged her unwavering support for the initiative and outlined her plans to improve menstrual hygiene and other sexual and reproductive health initiatives in the state.

She emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.

"Menstruation should never be a barrier to education, health, or personal growth. As a mother and a leader, I am committed to ensuring that every girl and woman in Kogi State can manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence," she said.

Her Excellency also admonished parents to prioritize menstrual hygiene education for their daughters. 

"Parents play a crucial role in their children's development. It is essential to provide your girl child with accurate information and support about menstruation. 

"This helps them understand their bodies and manage their menstrual health effectively. Let us create an open and supportive environment where our daughters feel comfortable discussing their menstrual needs," she said.

Hajia Ododo further encouraged the young girls to know that menstruation remained a natural part of growing up.

She advised "To every young girl, know that menstruation is a natural part of growing up. Do not let it hold you back from pursuing your dreams. 

"Educate yourself, take care of your health, and seek support when needed. My office is committed to advancing the health and rights of the girl child."

Also speaking, Dr Folasade Ayoade Arike, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG), reiterated Her Excellency’s call on other female leaders to support the initiative.

She also urged government officials and stakeholders to join the movement for menstrual hygiene sensitization, especially in schools and underserved communities.

"We must work together to ensure that all girls have access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and facilities. 

"Our collective efforts can break down barriers and create a world where menstruation is not a hindrance but a celebrated aspect of life.” 

She implored other women leaders to take concrete steps to build a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, made a commitment to champion the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls in Kogi State. She emphasized that the focus on women's and girls' health must extend beyond the Menstrual Hygiene Day commemoration.

"This is not just about today; it is about ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our girls. The Ministry of Women Affairs will provide the necessary support to promote the #PayAttentionToHer project."

 I urge everyone to join us in this vital cause," she concluded.

By Stephen Adeleye