The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, on Saturday commemorated the 2026 World Charity Day by empowering over 500 women with cash gifts, food items and visits to vulnerable groups across Lokoja.
The event, themed “Charity for a Better World”, began with a Charity Day Road Walk from Obasanjo Square to Government House in Lokoja.
During the walk, women, the elderly, roadside hawkers and other vulnerable persons received cash and food items.
Speaking at the Government House after the walk, Hajia Ododo said the International Day of Charity, observed globally every Sept. 5, reminds people of the importance of kindness and compassion.
“It is a day to remember that a little act of help can bring hope to someone and make a real difference in his or her life,” she said.
Under her Homemaker Empowerment Initiative, the Kogi first lady, distributed food items and cash donations ranging from N5,000 to N100,000 among over 500 women, including 50 elderly women, widows and Persons Living With Disabilities.
She also visited the orphanages and hospitals where welfare packages were presented.
The wife of the governor urged the citizens to embrace giving and support their neighbours.
She commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing her as the “Mother of Charity.”
In their goodwill messages, Tina Ekele of the National Council of Women Society (NCWS); Hajia Zaina Umar, wife of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly; and Hajia Karimat Abdullahi, wife of the state Attorney General, lauded Ododo for her commitment to the less privileged.
Ododo called on women leaders to continue empowering families and communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Jumait Abdullahi, who received N100,000 thanked the governor’s wife for her gesture towards the widows and the elderly.
“We thank Hajia Sefinat Ododo for empowering us and putting smiles on our faces.
“Her Excellency has been doing it over and again. May Allah bless her and her husband, Gov. Ahmed Ododo,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Charity Day is observed globally every Sept. 5 to honour the spirit of kindness, compassion, and giving.
The day was proclaimed by the United Nations and marks the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing, celebrating her lifelong dedication to helping the poorest and most vulnerable. (NAN)
