A pet project, Kogi Women Empowerment Network (KOWEN) has kicked off in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State.

The flag-off of the event which was announced by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Halima Wada, in Lokoja, intends to achieve its objectives by fostering unity amongst Kogi women, empowering the women by encouraging them to establish sustainable income generation activities and by improving their overall health status through health education and health promotion activities.

Hajia Halima said the mission of KOWEN is to stimulate the growth of Kogi State by empowering women to become active and powerful change agents.

"KOWEN envisions a Kogi State where women from all social backgrounds collaborate to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of each other," she said.

Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Zainab Maina represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry Mrs. Elizabeth Emuren, commended the governor's wife for the laudable initiative and assured her of the support of the ministry towards the achievement of KOWEN's objectives.

The mother of the day Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon attested to the capability of the Hajia Halima to deliver on her promises based on her educational background and track record of achievements.

Mrs. Mariya Baba, an adviser to Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists delivered the Keynote address.

The event had in attendance, the governor of the state Idris Wada and other dignitaries who reaffirmed their belief in women empowerment and expressed their support for all initiatives that are geared towards the betterment of womenfolk.