Edo Government Partners with Agapé4All Foundation to Expand Empowerment for Women, Students, Vulnerable Persons

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, education, and sustainable development through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations, as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development pledged to collaborate with the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation to expand empowerment programmes across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the Foundation’s 2026 Empowerment Outreach in Benin City. She commended the Foundation’s Founder, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie, for her commitment to transforming lives through educational scholarships, business start-up support, vocational training, and other interventions for vulnerable persons.

Hon. Abdallah urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support received and become agents of positive change in their communities. She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the Foundation on future empowerment programmes, noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, described Mrs. Ibie as “a woman of many parts” whose humanitarian interventions have impacted countless lives, urging beneficiaries to extend similar kindness to others whenever the opportunity arises.

In his remarks, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Olayiwola Afolabi, lauded the Foundation’s consistency, transparency, and impact, announcing an annual donation of ₦500,000 to support its empowerment programmes.

The event featured a financial literacy lecture titled “Little Money Can Make a Big Difference,” delivered by management consultant and women development specialist, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Bello Abu. She encouraged participants to embrace the principle of S.A.M. Save, Avoid Waste, and Make More as a practical guide to financial discipline, stressing that financial success depends on how wisely money is managed rather than how much is earned.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie said the Foundation was established to preserve the legacy of her parents, whose lives were defined by compassion, generosity, and service to humanity. She explained that the Foundation provides scholarships, business support, vocational training, and economic empowerment for women, widows, single mothers, students, and other vulnerable persons.

Mrs. Ibie announced that the empowerment outreach would become an annual programme in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Under the arrangement, the Ministry will identify deserving beneficiaries, while the Foundation will provide the financial resources for the interventions.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of educational scholarships to three students, cash grants, a grinding machine, and a weaving machine to beneficiaries to support their education, businesses, and livelihoods. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Foundation, describing the intervention as life-changing and pledging to maximise the opportunities provided.

The event attracted government officials, legal practitioners, development partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, who commended the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation for its unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable persons and promoting sustainable community development in Edo State.