By joshua Kogi Southerners Launch N- Empowerment Scheme for 1,000 Market Women to Back Ododo’s 2027 Vision
In a move to deepen grassroots support for the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Southerners in Kogi State have concluded arrangements to empower over 1,000 market women across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The initiative, tagged “South-South Traders and Market Women Empowerment Fund in Support of Ododo,” is designed as a grant, not a loan, aimed at strengthening economic resilience among traders while also mobilizing support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement signed by Kingsley Oshilim, Acting Secretary of Southerners in Kogi State, the program reflects a shift “from handouts to sustainable wealth creation” in line with the economic priorities of the Ododo administration.
Under the arrangement, 50 market women will be selected from each LGA, with 100 beneficiaries in Lokoja, which will serve as the pilot for the flag-off.
Governor Ododo is expected to formally launch the first phase of the scheme in Lokoja in the coming weeks.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on South-South Mobilization, Abu Michael, said the beneficiaries will, in addition to receiving grants, serve as grassroots mobilizers and canvassers for the administration’s policies and future electoral goals.
“This is about economic empowerment with purpose,” Michael stated. “We want to equip our market women with capital to grow their businesses while also engaging them as partners in promoting good governance and continuity.”
The statement lauded Governor Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of citizens, particularly traders and market women. It cited the prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and local government workers as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the people.
“Kogi people, irrespective of origin, should look beyond sentiments and support a government that has been tested and has delivered results-oriented outcomes,” Michael added. “With continued support, this administration is positioned to do even more.”
The Southerners in Kogi said the empowerment fund aligns with Governor Ododo’s broader agenda of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and political stability across the state.
For media inquiries, contact: Office of the Special Adviser on South-South Mobilization, Government House, Lokoja on Telephone Number 09017338366