Hon. Alile Women Empowerment Programme has disbursed cash grants of ₦100,000 each to 77 beneficiaries in Edo State as part of efforts to support women-led economic activities and improve livelihoods. The empowerment programme was held on Monday at Elora Royal Hall, Sapele Road, Benin City, where beneficiaries gathered to receive support and guidance on the use of the funds.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, advised beneficiaries of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Hon. Pius Alile’s Empowerment Programme, to utilise the resources judiciously and invest in sustainable ventures capable of improving their socio-economic wellbeing. She explained that the initiative was structured to create lasting impact beyond short-term relief.
Nigeria Startup News reports that Mrs. Anani said the empowerment was designed to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries and contribute meaningfully to community development. According to her, the financial support should be used to strengthen small businesses, support families, and stimulate the local economy to ensure sustainable growth and long-term benefits within communities.
“Consider the empowerment being given to you today a seed of support, a seed of encouragement, and a seed of growth. I pray that this empowerment will multiply in the name of Jesus Christ. May you use it to support your home and your family, and may it yield multiple returns that will enable you to empower others, because if you are not empowered, you cannot empower another person,” she said.
Mrs. Anani congratulated the beneficiaries and appreciated Hon. Alile for his commitment to empowering women and supporting residents of Edo State. She acknowledged the dedication required to sustain empowerment initiatives and encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused on productive ventures that can generate income and stability.
In his remarks, Hon. Alile said the programme was aimed at empowering women and fostering inclusion, noting that each of the 77 beneficiaries would receive ₦100,000 to support their economic activities. “We believe women need a certain level of assistance and support, and we are here to provide that support. This is not the first time we have done this. We have been doing this over the years. This is one of several efforts to empower women and give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress APC Women Leader and wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Mary Alile, encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds in their businesses, stressing that the grant was intended to boost their trades rather than be used for personal expenses. She appreciated the Edo State Governor for creating opportunities that support women’s empowerment, congratulated the beneficiaries, and prayed for effective utilisation of the funds.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cash grants to beneficiaries, including Comfort Aigbedion, Patience Ighalo, Hope Isaiah, and Evelyn Osarugue, among others. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Hon. Alile and pledged to utilise the funds to grow their businesses, support their families, and improve their livelihoods across Edo State.
