Edo Women Affairs Commissioner Seeks Stronger Media Partnership to Deepen Grassroots Awareness

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the media to deepen public awareness of government policies, promote family welfare, and strengthen the protection of women and children across the state.

Hon. Abdallah made the call while receiving a delegation from Super 88.1 FM, Benin City, led by its Head of Programmes, Joyce Chuks, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry

The Commissioner welcomed the proposed partnership, expressing the Ministry’s readiness to work with the radio station to amplify its programmes, publicise government interventions, and educate residents on issues affecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

According to her, women often bear significant responsibilities in caring for the entire household, making it necessary for public enlightenment programmes to engage men as active partners in promoting family welfare, responsible parenting, and the protection of children.

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement, observing that ordinary citizens are increasingly aware of social issues and government activities and are eager to have their concerns heard.

Drawing from her interactions with commuters on buses and taxis, she noted that public enlightenment must go beyond formal settings to reach people in their everyday environments.

On the protection of women and children, Hon. Abdallah identified Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a continuing concern, particularly in parts of northern Edo State, where deeply rooted cultural practices present challenges to eradication efforts.

She stressed the need for sustained advocacy, community engagement, and effective implementation of legal protections to discourage harmful practices and safeguard the rights of women and girls.

The Commissioner further commended the media for its vital role in bridging information gaps, educating the public on relevant laws, and promoting awareness of maternal and child health, gender-based violence, and other social concerns.

She expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration with Super FM would provide a more effective channel for connecting the Ministry with communities and ensuring that residents are better informed about available services, government interventions, and opportunities for support.

Earlier, the Head of Programmes at Super 88.1 FM, Joyce Chuks, described the station as a family-oriented broadcaster committed to promoting the welfare of women, children, and other vulnerable members of society.

She highlighted two of the station’s flagship programmes: Mother and Child and Today’s Woman.

According to her, “Mother and Child” focuses on maternal and child health while “Today’s Woman” addresses the evolving challenges facing women, including gender-based violence, women’s rights, child sexual abuse, and inheritance laws.

Chuks commended the Ministry for its interventions in women’s empowerment and social protection, citing digital business training, mini-trade fairs, and grant support provided to more than 170 women between October and August.

The Super FM representative expressed the station’s interest in serving as a media partner to the Ministry, offering its platforms to publicise programmes, provide expert perspectives, and promote sustained public education on issues affecting women, children, and families.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen information sharing, expand the reach of the Ministry’s advocacy campaigns, and encourage greater public participation in efforts to promote the welfare and protection of women and children in Edo State.

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