By Rosemary Okoduwa
The newly crowned queens of the Miss Edo International Beauty Pageant on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, seeking collaboration on initiatives aimed at empowering young girls across the state through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The delegation, led by the Pageant Manager, Mr. Kelly Christopher, and the Pageant Coordinator, Hon. Jerry Ohenhen, formally introduced the pageant winners to the Ministry. The queens included Miss Bossey Vivian, Miss Edo International, Miss Arebamhen Glory Osei, First Runner-Up and Miss Edo International Heritage, and Miss Imafidon Valerie Oghosa, Second Runner-Up and Miss Edo International Tourism.
Speaking during the visit, Miss Arebamhen Glory Osei expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the support and encouragement extended to her before and during the pageant, noting that the goodwill contributed significantly to her success.
She unveiled an empowerment initiative designed to train 30 young girls every quarter in professional makeup artistry. According to her, participants will receive practical training as well as starter kits upon completion to enable them establish their own businesses and achieve financial independence.
Miss Osei appealed to the Ministry to partner with her in expanding the initiative and reaching more vulnerable and aspiring young girls across Edo State.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, congratulated the queens on their achievements and commended Miss Osei for her commitment to empowering others.
She described the initiative as commendable and aligned with the Ministry’s mandate of promoting the welfare and advancement of women and girls. The Commissioner noted that the Ministry is always encouraged to support young women who are passionate about creating opportunities for others.
Hon. Abdallah disclosed that the Ministry operates a Skills Acquisition Centre in Evbuomodu, Benin City, where beneficiaries are trained in various vocational fields, including tailoring, catering, hairdressing, and computer studies.
She assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate on programmes that promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment among young women and girls.
The Commissioner further emphasized the importance of digital literacy and online marketing, encouraging beneficiaries to leverage digital platforms to showcase and market their products and services, thereby expanding their reach and reducing the limitations associated with establishing physical business outlets.
The visit concluded with both parties expressing a shared commitment to fostering sustainable empowerment programmes that will equip young girls with practical skills, enhance their economic prospects, and contribute to the overall development of Edo State.
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