Edo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Governance, Women’s Empowerment

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and the empowerment of women from diverse communities across the state, assuring residents of equal opportunities to participate in government programmes and initiatives.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance when members of the Arewa All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State Chapter, led by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Government on Arewa Community Relations, Alhaji Mansur Ibrahim, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Benin City.

Abdallah commended the Arewa community for its contributions to the development of Edo State, assuring the delegation that the Ministry would give due consideration to their concerns, particularly issues relating to the inclusion and empowerment of Arewa women in relevant government programmes and initiatives.

The Commissioner also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for promoting inclusivity through the appointment of qualified non-indigenes into political positions, describing the appointments as evidence of an administration that recognises and values the contributions of different communities to the development of the state.

She encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process, stressing that civic participation remained essential to effective representation and good governance.

Earlier, Ibrahim said the delegation visited the Ministry to congratulate the Commissioner on her appointment and express solidarity with the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. He disclosed that the Arewa community had commenced sensitisation across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to encourage its members to participate actively in political activities, register to vote and obtain party membership cards.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the Arewa community’s commitment to supporting the state government and contributing meaningfully to its political and developmental objectives, noting that the community remained willing to partner with the government in areas that would advance the interests of Edo State.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry and representatives of the Arewa community to strengthen their engagement and explore areas of collaboration, particularly in promoting the welfare, inclusion and empowerment of women across the state.