Edo State, World Bank Scale Up Women’s Economic Empowerment Drive

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has strengthened its partnership with the World Bank to scale up the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), reaffirming its commitment to empowering women with skills, financial access, and opportunities to improve their socio-economic well-being across the state.

The renewed collaboration was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, during a strategic meeting with a World Bank delegation led by the Senior Social Development Specialist and Task Team Leader, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, in Benin City.

The meeting focused on expanding the scope and ensuring effective implementation of the NFWP in Edo State, with emphasis on reaching more women, particularly those who are unbanked and underserved.

Mrs. Abdallah described the Nigeria for Women Project as a flagship women’s economic empowerment initiative designed to institutionalise women’s affinity groups as sustainable platforms for financial inclusion, business growth, and improved livelihoods. She noted that the project targets women aged 18 years and above, providing them with structured support to become economically independent.

According to her, the initiative establishes long-term systems that enable women to access finance, grow small businesses, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
“Women empowerment remains a critical pillar of Edo State’s development strategy. When women are economically empowered, households are strengthened, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows,” the Commissioner said.

She described the project as a transformative intervention that aligns with the present administration’s agenda of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and gender equality, adding that the state government remains committed to working closely with the World Bank to ensure the project delivers measurable impact across Edo State.

In his remarks, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi commended the Edo State Government for its leadership and dedication to women-centred development initiatives. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the state in achieving the objectives of the Nigeria for Women Project and in building sustainable systems that promote women’s economic empowerment.