***As CODE empowers women and girls across Kogi
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Amb. Hamzat Lawal, Executive Director, Connected Development (CODE), has called on parents to prioritize the education and upbringing of their children, especially in their formative years, to curtail the rising cases of social vices among youths.
Amb. Hazmat Lawal a Civil Society Rights activist and renowned philanthropist made the call during a peace sensitization and empowerment outreach at the palace of the Ohi of Okene in Okene Local Government Area, of Kogi State.
Lawal emphasized the need for sustained peace as a foundation for development as he vowed to continue to complement government’s efforts at maintaining the prevailing peace in Kogi state.
“No society can experience meaningful development in the absence of peace,” Lawal said. “We are committed to promoting dialogue, inclusivity, and empowerment as tools for sustainable progress.”
He said that parents had a great role to play in moulding the character of their children and called on them to prioritize the education and upbringing of their children, especially in their formative years.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, youth engagement, and women empowerment across Kogi State saying that as part of the CODE outreach, hundreds of women in rural communities have been empowered.
“Our programme is not only about handouts; it is about helping women to become financially responsible and less dependent. When you empower a woman, you empower a community,” he noted.
In his response, the Ohi of Okene, HRH Isah Okatahi Mamman, lauded Amb. Hamzat Lawal’s commitment to grassroots development and urged affluent individuals to emulate the philanthropic gestures.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman, Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants, Hon. Dr Joseph Best Omeiza, commended Lawal for bringing home the values of youth development, inclusive growth, and sustainable community empowerment.
“This initiative speaks volumes about our shared commitment to building a future where every young person is equipped, included, and inspired,” Omeiza stated.
Ambassador Lawal also visited the Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery Obangede, where he donated 500 sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene among female students.
Presenting the items to the Provost, Dr James Duro, Lawal said the donation was driven by a desire to ease the burden on young girls who cannot afford sanitary products.
“As a father of three daughters, I understand the silent challenges many girls face. Menstrual health should never be a barrier to education or dignity,” he said.
In response, Dr Duro expressed appreciation, assuring that the materials would be distributed to those in need adding that the gesture would significantly reduce school absenteeism among girls and promote gender equity.
Lawal, through CODE also donated 100 charcoal-efficient cooking stoves to women in Ogori-Magongo LGA and Upogoro, Okene LGA saying, “This is not just about cooking it’s about environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of our women,”
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, represented by Hajia Habitat Ajiga applauded the initiative and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Amb. Hamzat Lawal’s example. (Ends)