The Edo State Government has disbursed ₦100,000 cash grants to 164 women across the state’s three senatorial districts to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen women’s economic participation and promote inclusive growth across Edo State. The grants were presented following a three-day capacity-building programme designed to equip vulnerable women with practical business and digital skills.
The training programme, themed “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) and Digital Marketing, was organised as part of activities commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD). It was hosted by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Participants were trained on essential entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, customer management, and digital tools that can help small businesses grow in the modern marketplace.
At the one-day stakeholders’ conference and grand finale of the International Women’s Day activities, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering women economically.
Represented at the event by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Organisations, Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Ihensekhien, the governor emphasised that empowering women remains a key component of sustainable development.
He noted that the theme for the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” reflects the administration’s belief that progress in society depends on how well women are supported and protected.
“This year’s theme reminds us that societal progress is closely tied to how well it protects the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls,” he said.
He added that the administration has consistently prioritised programmes that improve the welfare of women and enhance their economic independence across the state.
“Since the inception of this administration, His Excellency has demonstrated a strong commitment to the economic empowerment and well-being of women across Edo State,” he said.
According to him, the ₦100,000 grants given to the beneficiaries are designed to help them expand existing businesses or start new ventures following the skills acquired during the training programme.
He also highlighted other government initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s economic opportunities, including a ₦1 billion loan facility established to support market women and ongoing training programmes that focus on e-commerce and digital business tools.
“These initiatives are part of the deliberate efforts of the government to ensure that women have the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive economically,” he said, while encouraging stakeholders to continue advocating for women’s rights and development.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, acknowledged the significant contributions women make to community development while also drawing attention to the challenges many still face.
She noted that women continue to encounter barriers such as limited access to education, economic opportunities, and exposure to gender-based violence and social inequality.
“Women continue to demonstrate remarkable strength and determination across our communities, yet they face significant barriers that remind us the struggle for equality is ongoing,” she said.
“We must intensify collective efforts to ensure every woman and girl lives with dignity and respect.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, also stressed the importance of women’s empowerment in achieving wider economic and social progress.
According to her, empowering women has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the broader economy.
She praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and described him as a women-friendly leader whose policies continue to create opportunities for women to grow and contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s development.
Mrs. Abdallah noted that several initiatives introduced under the administration’s SHINE Agenda have opened doors for women in entrepreneurship, skills development, and leadership.
She also expressed appreciation to development partners and stakeholders who supported the training programme and empowerment initiative.
“We appreciate His Excellency for the various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women across Edo State,” she said.
She further encouraged women to continue supporting one another and to recognise their potential to achieve success in their chosen fields.
In her keynote address, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, shared observations from her engagements with women across Edo State and other parts of the country.
She noted that many women possess strong ambitions and ideas but often face structural barriers that limit their opportunities.
Dimanche emphasised the importance of sustained action to address these challenges and ensure women have equal access to opportunities and resources.
She commended the Edo State Government for introducing programmes that directly support women’s empowerment and economic growth.
The conference also featured presentations from guest speakers, including former Deputy Speaker and Member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Edeko.
She delivered a presentation titled “Reserved Seat, Real Impact: Amplifying Women’s Voices in Decision Making,” where she highlighted the importance of improving women’s representation in political leadership.
Edeko explained that a proposed bill aimed at creating reserved seats for women in legislative bodies could help strengthen women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes.
Beneficiaries of the ₦100,000 grants expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for the support.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Joy Iyamu, Blessing Samuel, Ogbeide Akhere, and Georgina Okeke, said the grants would help them strengthen their businesses and improve their economic stability.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates to participants who completed the three-day SIYB and digital marketing training programme, recognising their commitment to improving their entrepreneurial skills.
Several individuals were honoured with awards for their contributions to women’s development and empowerment, including Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche, CEO of Ocean Wave Nigeria Mr. Peter Dunia, Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, and Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri.
