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…Commends Okpebholo over N1 billion soft loans for market women
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the weekend, announced plans to empower 54,000 women with entrepreneur training, micro-finance access and skills development.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah who announced this while addressing a Press Conference to herald Governor Monday Okpebholo’s two years in office, also disclosed that the Ministry has rehabilitated two skills acquisition centres trained over 170 people in the last one year.
Besides, she said 31 mentally deranged and drug induced adults have also been taken off the streets for rehabilitation.
Abdallah commended Governor Okpebholor for allocating 35 percent of cabinet positions to women, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes and approving N1 billion in soft loans for market women to boost their businesse among others.
The Commissioner further disclosed that with the governor’s support, the ministry would be hosting the 25th Edition of the Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development later this year.
“This administration has shown that empowering women is not just a promise but a lived reality.
We have given hope and dignity to those who thought all was lost,” she said, stressing the ministry’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
She listed some key projects carried out and supervised by the Ministry as the concluded revamping of Uromi Skills Acquisition Centre, where 63 trainees have been produced between March-April 2025; concluded revamping of Igarra Skills Acquisition Center where 77 people were trained between April-July 2025; and the ongoing collaborative revamping and Upskilling of Evbuomudu Skills Acquisition Centre by the Ministry, in partnership with Edo state skills development agency to upskill the centre.
“On Mental Health Support, from January to September, 2025, the ministry has raided 25 mentally ill persons from the streets of Edo state; we have given swift response to reported cases of drug addiction and between January and September, 2025, we have handled various cases and 6 persons involved are currently being admitted to rehabilitation centres; there is an ongoing collaborative engagement with operators and owners of orphanage homes to improve living conditions/quality of care for children, education and welfare/wellbeing of children in Orphanage homes, with the final review of Child Rights Law being finalized”, Mrs Abdallah stated.
She also disclosed that five persons living with disabilities were empowered financially, adding “there is an ongoing seven-weeks training on fashion design, for 30 inmates; the renovation of a dilapidated structure of Children Correctional Centre completed, with the provision of a table tennis board at the center; while 10 vulnerable persons have received financial assistance as financial aid from the State Government.”
She expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo and the Edo First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani for their partnership and support.
“We are building a future where every woman and child in Edo State can live with dignity, contribute meaningfully, and realize their full potential. Together, we will continue to make Edo shine brighter,” the Commissioner said.
