By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Government has empowered 166 vulnerable women across the state with cash grants of ₦100,000 each to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The empowerment programme took place at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, during the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration. The one-day stakeholders’ engagement was organised by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Ihensekhien, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” serves as a timely reminder that the progress of any society is closely tied to how well it protects the rights, dignity and opportunities of its women and girls.
The governor highlighted key initiatives of his administration aimed at improving the welfare and economic empowerment of women, including a ₦1 billion loan facility provided for market women to strengthen their businesses, boost household incomes and enhance economic resilience in communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that promote women’s empowerment and wellbeing, noting that empowering women remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth in the state.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, described International Women’s Day as a significant global occasion to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of women and girls, while also reflecting on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.
She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration emphasizes the need to move beyond discussions and commitments to concrete actions that protect the rights of women and girls, promote justice and expand opportunities for them to thrive.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, said the event was organised not only to celebrate women but also to recognise the strength, courage, resilience and limitless potential they bring to families, communities and the state.
She noted that International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that when women rise, societies prosper, stressing that the 2026 theme calls for stronger protection of women’s rights and collective action to advance gender equality.
Mrs. Abdallah commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to women’s empowerment through deliberate policies and programmes designed to create opportunities for women to grow, lead and contribute meaningfully to the development of Edo State. She also appreciated the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, for providing the platform that enabled the Ministry to organise what she described as an innovative International Women’s Day celebration.
The commissioner further appreciated development partners and other stakeholders for their continued support in protecting and empowering women and other vulnerable groups in the state. She also acknowledged the role of men who champion gender equality, describing them as important allies in advancing women’s rights.
She urged women to remain confident in their abilities, support one another and inspire the next generation of girls to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve, emphasizing that women’s voices matter and their contributions remain invaluable to the growth and development of the state.
Also speaking, the former Deputy Speaker and Member representing Esan North-East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Marie Edeko, stressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in governance and decision making processes, noting that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable development.
The Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, emphasized the need to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from fear, violence and discrimination. She called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to advance gender equality and build safer, more inclusive communities for women and girls.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of cash grants to the beneficiaries as well as awards to distinguished personalities, including the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu; the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche; the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Wave Nigeria, Mr. Peter Dunia; Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson; and Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri.
Discover more from DE-PATRIOT
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.