By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady, has commenced activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with a three-day mini trade fair in Benin City.
The event, holding at the Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road, brings together women entrepreneurs from across the state in a vibrant showcase of enterprise, creativity, and resilience.
Declaring the fair open on behalf of the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the Director General of the Edo State Directorate of Education, Quality and Accountability (DEQA), Dr. Amen Ogbemudia, described the initiative as a strategic platform designed to unite and economically empower women across Edo State.
According to Mrs. Anani, the mini trade fair reflects the state government’s strong commitment to inclusiveness and women’s economic advancement. She noted that the initiative deliberately accommodates women from diverse backgrounds, market traders, professionals, artisans, and small scale business owners reinforcing the message that every woman has a vital role to play in society.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, said the fair goes beyond commercial exchange, describing it as a celebration of the strength and ingenuity of Edo women.
“This three-day event is our way of saying we recognize your hard work and are providing a platform for you to grow,” she said. “To our exhibitors, your products reflect the innovation needed to drive our economy forward. I encourage residents to shop intentionally and support these businesses.”
She emphasized that empowering women has a ripple effect, strengthening families and fostering sustainable community development. Mrs. Abdallah further highlighted that goods and services at the fair are offered at subsidized rates, enabling residents to access quality products at affordable prices while directly boosting local enterprises.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the inspection of exhibition stands by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, the Commissioner, and other dignitaries. The officials interacted with vendors, applauded the quality and originality of the products on display, and demonstrated their support by purchasing items from the exhibitors.
The mini trade fair is expected to run for three days as part of the broader lineup of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day in Edo State.
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