Kogi women caution mothers against violence, as Security Adviser condemns inflammatory statements

Ahead of 2027 general election in the country, Kogi women have been advised to keep tap on their wards to prevent them from getting involved in any violence act in the period . The Zonal Director of Kogi Women Empowerment Coalition( KWEC), Stella Olabayotan handed out this advice on Tuesday at Lokoja in her address […]

Ahead of 2027 general election in the country, Kogi women have been advised to keep tap on their wards to prevent them from getting involved in any violence act in the period .

The Zonal Director of Kogi Women Empowerment Coalition( KWEC), Stella Olabayotan handed out this advice on Tuesday at Lokoja in her address during one -day workshop with the theme: “Building Trust For A Renewed Hope”.

The workshop was organised by the office of the State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the KWEC to “strengthen partnership between government and the grassroots; between security agencies and community women, to make Kogi safer, stronger, and more united”.

KWEC Director enjoined kogi women to keep an eagle eyes on their children in order to detect their behavioural change on time, and offer a possible solution that will bring them back on good track for a better society.

“Women are passing through a lot in the society of today. We should take life easy with ourselves, stand firmly on home front issues and counsel our children to shun violence in the coming election .

“If they said a boy is shot somewhere in the street of a place, people will first ask : Is it that the boy has no mother ? Let us avoid violence ; do your election peacefully, for whether you like it or not , someone will win at the end of the day”, said Olabayotan.

In his address, the state Security Adviser to the kogi state government, CDR. Duro Jerry Omodara (RTD) said the event was a family gathering, a coming together of community of women from 21 local governments in their attempt to build understanding, strengthen unity, and renew hope for the State.

He said the “Building Trust for a Renewed Hope” initiative under the Office of the State Security Adviser is built on a simple belief, that everyone has a role to play in promoting peace and security.

Omodara said : “We know that women are the heart of every home, and the strength of every society. When women are informed, empowered, and organized, communities thrive. But when women are neglected or silenced, insecurity finds space to grow.

“Together, we want to build communities where women can lead change not just from the side-lines, but from the frontline.

“My dear sisters, I want us to understand this clearly: security is not just the absence of danger, it is the presence of trust.
When communities trust security agencies enough to share information, crimes are prevented.

“When citizens trust government policies, peace is sustained.
And when women trust their own abilities, their voices, their leadership society moves forward”.

The security adviser therefore enjoined kogi women to remain focused, and disallow selfish individuals who are set to divide the state , urging them to support the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Meanwhile, Omodara (rtd) says that some individuals are “planting the seeds of discord amongst the people, and forming unholy alliances”, including dropping names of some politicians to cause disaffection in the state .

“Our people can no longer be taken for granted. The current political settings in Kogi State have direction, which will be followed when the time comes. East, West and Central are now better informed than ever.

“I wish to call on my people of Kogi West, particularly the Okun nation that we are better under the current arrangements. We are sure, we will soon get to our destination with strong alliance and partnership with other Districts.

“I must categorically warn those who are trying to use insecurity to destabilize us as a people, to desist henceforth. I advise them to collaborate with the state government to move the State forward”.

While Omodara commended governor Ahmed Usman Ododo renewed commitment to community security, youth engagement, and women empowerment, he praised the first lady of the state , Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo for her exemplary leadership that has given voice to women to contribute meaningfully to development of the state .

“You have jointly aligned our State’s efforts with the national goals of women empowerment, social protection, and inclusive security, ensuring that no one is left behind. For this, we remain deeply grateful”, he said.

The occasion that drew women from all the 21 local governments, including Rev sisters, and had Prof. Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku as Guest Speaker saw the wife of the Deputy governor of the state , Mrs Margaret Eleojo Salifu representing the first lady of the state .