By Rosemary Okoduwa
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has commenced moves to deepen support for women’s economic empowerment and enterprise development in Edo State.
The partnership was highlighted during a Meet and Greet and Stakeholders Engagement with South-South women groups in Edo State, held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City.
The engagement brought together representatives of women’s organisations, community leaders and government officials to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration, capacity building and sustainable socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State representative on the SSDC Governing Board, Barrister Osedebamen Femi Oise Agge, said the Commission was committed to promoting inclusive development through interventions targeted at women, youths and traditional institutions across the South-South region.
He disclosed that women groups, including market women, artisans and digital entrepreneurs, would benefit from targeted skills development, capacity building and starter packs designed to promote economic self-reliance.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, described the engagement as an important platform for translating partnerships into practical opportunities for women.
The Commissioner said empowering women remained critical to the development of Edo State, stressing that women should be supported not only as beneficiaries of government programmes but also as key drivers of economic growth and community transformation.
“Women are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are active drivers of economic growth, community development, social stability and sustainable transformation.
When women are equipped with the right skills, resources and opportunities, they become stronger contributors to the development of their families, communities and the state.”
Hon. Abdallah further expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the SSDC and other development partners to expand opportunities for women through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, access to economic resources and strategic partnerships.
She noted that the collaboration aligns with the S.H.I.N.E. Agenda of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly its focus on human capital development and inclusive growth.
Participants commended the SSDC and the Ministry for providing the platform, describing the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen networking, knowledge sharing and practical interventions for women across Edo State.
The event featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah in recognition of the Ministry’s support, while souvenirs were also distributed to participants.
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