EDSG Empowers 171 Women With Skills, ₦100,000 Grants Each — Abdallah

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has highlighted key interventions and reforms by the Ministry since October 2025, aimed at strengthening the protection, empowerment, and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Hon. Abdallah disclosed this during the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s bi-monthly press briefing held at the Secretariat Complex in Benin City.

The key achievements include hosting the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin City, bringing stakeholders together on national issues affecting women and children.
On gender-based violence, she said the Ministry strengthened survivor support through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Uromi, with another planned for Auchi. A policy on technology facilitated GBV was also developed.

For women’s empowerment, 171 women were trained in business and digital marketing and given ₦100,000 grants each. A mini trade fair also helped women entrepreneurs access markets and networks.
In child protection, she noted the rollout of digital case management and a revised safeguarding policy addressing online and institutional risks. The Ministry also shut down an illegal children’s home in Afuze over suspected adoption irregularities.

On social protection, she said the Ministry rescued and rehabilitated vulnerable persons, including a deportee found in Benin City, and expanded mental health outreach covering treatment, shelter, and reintegration.
Eighty beneficiaries also completed vocational training and received start up support.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support and policy direction, particularly through the administration’s SHINE Agenda, and acknowledged the contributions of development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, and other stakeholders.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, reinforced the need for stakeholders to follow legitimate channels in matters relating to child adoption and land acquisition.

He advised prospective adoptive parents to consult the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, while urging individuals seeking to acquire landed property to engage the Edo State Geographical Information Service (EdoGIS) and adhere to the prescribed procedures.

The Managing Director of EdoGIS, Mr. Innocent Bello, outlined the processes for acquiring legally documented landed property in the state, noting that compliance with established procedures would help reduce the risks of land grabbing, fraud, and disputes.

He stated that applicants with genuine documentation and verified information could obtain their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) within a maximum period of 30 days.