Kogi State First Lady Advocates Responsible Social Media Use And Youth Empowerment.
The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on young people to approach social media with caution, urging them to embrace positive choices for a brighter future. Her appeal was made on Monday at the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism and Awareness Campaign on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Mrs Ododo expressed concern about the negative influence of social media, particularly on young women, and encouraged them to uphold behaviours that honour womanhood and foster self-improvement. “It is imperative to rise above the noise and distractions that social media can create,” she stated, advocating for empowerment and personal growth among the youth.
Highlighting the dangers of social vices such as internet fraud, the First Lady emphasised the need for young people to acquire entrepreneurial skills in areas such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This, she noted, would enable them to become self-reliant and build sustainable futures.
Mrs Ododo also appealed to parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s lives, urging them to leverage the free education programme offered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to enrol their children in schools.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tijani Anaje, echoed the First Lady’s sentiments, stressing the importance of peace, love, respect, and discipline within families. He called on parents, particularly fathers, to fulfil their responsibilities as heads of the family. He also advised traditional rulers in Ebiraland to promote good examples in their communities and discourage unethical practices.
In her goodwill message, Maryam Abedo, Director General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, urged women to report any form of abuse before or after marriage. She called on parents to build close relationships with their children, ensuring they feel safe to confide in them when facing challenges.
Mrs Abedo also highlighted the importance of teaching young men the value of treating their spouses with respect and fostering mutual respect in marriages to build a healthier, godly society.
This event underscored the collective responsibility of families, communities, and leadership in fostering positive values and building a stronger future for the younger generation.
