Edo Women Affairs Ministry Partners MHSR as Abdallah Is Inducted Patron to Restore Dignity of Vulnerable Women

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at improving the lives of women and other vulnerable groups, as it expressed readiness to collaborate with the Mobile Foundation for Health, Security and Rehabilitation (MHSR) on a far-reaching social development initiative.

This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the leadership of MHSR to the ministry’s office in Benin City, where the foundation formally presented its proposed two-year project titled “Ivîē Ñ’ Óvbiédô Ñé Khíéñ Yówà” (Restoring the Dignity of the Forgotten Women of Edo State).

Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, described the initiative as timely and well aligned with the ministry’s mandate. She noted that the ministry remains committed to leveraging partnerships with credible non-governmental organizations to deepen its reach and enhance service delivery, especially at the grassroots.

Mrs. Abdallah explained that the ministry’s responsibilities span women, children, families, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations, stressing that outreach-driven organizations like MHSR would significantly strengthen government interventions at the community level. She further commended the foundation’s mobile approach, which takes essential services directly to underserved communities, describing it as consistent with the state government’s people-centered development agenda.

The Commissioner reiterated that the SHINE Agenda of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo is anchored on inclusive governance, innovation, and sustainable partnerships, assuring that the state government remains open to collaborations that improve social outcomes and reinforce support systems for vulnerable residents.

Earlier, the Founder of MHSR, Ozo Osahon Michael, outlined the foundation’s mission of improving the wellbeing of marginalized and underserved groups. He stated that MHSR’s interventions cater to both men and women, including survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), persons living with HIV, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals who face challenges accessing essential services. He added that the proposed project seeks to strengthen referral linkages between community structures and formal health and social service institutions to ensure timely and coordinated support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Joseph Wasah, underscored the role of organised labour in advancing social justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations. He emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly with credible NGOs, while commending the ministry’s proactive stance on social welfare issues.

The visit climaxed with the formal induction of Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah as Patron of MHSR, in recognition of her exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to the advancement of women and vulnerable persons in Edo State.