Edo Women Affairs Ministry Records Major Milestones in Abdallah’s First Year in Office

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has marked her first year in office with significant achievements in women’s economic empowerment, child protection, social welfare, mental health rehabilitation and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

Guided by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, Abdallah has focused on translating government policies into practical interventions that improve the lives of women, children and other vulnerable persons. Her first year has been characterised by institutional reforms, targeted support programmes and a compassionate approach to public service.

A major highlight of the period was Edo State’s hosting of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin City. The gathering brought together stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting women, children and vulnerable groups, providing a platform for collaboration and the advancement of inclusive social development policies.

In addressing sexual and gender-based violence, the Ministry strengthened survivor support services through the commissioning and operation of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Uromi. The facility provides medical, psychosocial, legal and other support services to survivors. Plans are also underway to establish another centre in Auchi to expand access to specialised care across the state.

Recognising the growing threat of technology-driven abuse, the Ministry also developed and validated a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy Framework. The initiative seeks to address emerging forms of online harassment, exploitation and abuse, particularly those targeting women and girls, while providing policy direction for prevention and response.

Women’s economic empowerment remained another priority. During the year, 171 women drawn from Edo State’s three senatorial districts received business and digital marketing training, alongside grants of ₦100,000 each to support and expand their enterprises. The Ministry further organised a three-day Women’s Mini Trade Fair, giving female entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their products, connect with potential customers, explore new markets and strengthen their businesses.

In the area of child protection, the Ministry introduced digital case management through the Children First software to improve the documentation, monitoring and coordination of cases involving children in need of care and protection. This initiative represents an important step towards more efficient and coordinated child welfare services.

The Edo State Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was also reviewed and validated to address emerging risks confronting children. These include online exploitation, social media-related dangers, risks associated with artificial intelligence and institutional abuse. The review reflects the need to adapt child protection measures to evolving social and technological realities.

The Ministry also intensified the monitoring of children’s homes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safeguard the welfare of children in institutional care. As part of this exercise, a facility in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, was closed over suspected irregular adoption practices. Its operator was subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.

Beyond policy development and institutional oversight, Abdallah’s first year featured direct interventions for vulnerable individuals. A notable case involved the rescue, treatment and reunification of Mr Peter Guobadia, a Nigerian deportee found wandering in Benin City. The Ministry also facilitated the rehabilitation of other vulnerable persons and their reunification with their families.

The Commissioner further initiated a structured mental health rescue and rehabilitation programme designed to provide more than temporary removal from the streets. The intervention incorporates medical and psychiatric assessments, treatment, shelter, psychosocial support, family tracing and reintegration. Its approach underscores the importance of addressing the underlying needs of vulnerable persons while preserving their dignity and wellbeing.

In promoting self-reliance and economic reintegration, the Ministry supported vocational training programmes through which 80 beneficiaries completed skills acquisition courses and received certificates and start-up support. The initiative is intended to equip participants with practical skills, improve their prospects of earning a livelihood and reduce their vulnerability.

Abdallah’s leadership has also been marked by engagement with women, families, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders. Her accessible and hands-on approach has enabled the Ministry to respond to cases requiring urgent intervention while strengthening collaboration with partners working in social protection and human development.

The progress recorded during the year, the Commissioner noted, was made possible by the policy direction and support of Governor Monday Okpebholo under the SHINE Agenda. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the First Lady, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders whose collaboration has supported the Ministry’s programmes.

As she begins her second year in office, Abdallah has reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the achievements recorded and expanding the reach of the Ministry’s interventions. She pledged to sustain efforts to protect children, empower women, improve support for vulnerable persons, strengthen families and promote dignity, inclusion and social justice across Edo State.