… Urges women to unite, calls for end to FGM
BY GLORIA OSEMUDIAMHEN
The Edo State Government has celebrated a group of female students from the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Usugbenu, Irrua, following their outstanding achievement in the National Girls in ICT Competition held in Abuja. The students earned third place nationally for their innovative project—a smart waste bin designed to improve sanitation through real-time tracking and automated waste management.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to the students during a formal reception held in their honour at the Government House, Benin City. Mrs. Anani commended the young girls for not only showcasing technical creativity but also representing Edo State and the girl-child positively on a national stage.
The innovation, described by the students as their minimum viable product (MVP), features a sensor-enabled waste bin that automatically opens and closes its lid as waste approaches, aiming to promote hygienic waste segregation and management.
The students explained that the project represents the first phase of a broader development initiative.
In her address, Mrs. Anani praised the students’ ingenuity and urged them to remain committed to excellence in their academic pursuits.
She called on more girls to venture into the sciences and technological fields, areas she noted are still male-dominated.
“You have made me extremely proud, and this is proof that girls can lead in technology and innovation. This smart waste bin is not only creative but a vital tool that can contribute to environmental solutions,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of education as the cornerstone of a prosperous future, urging the students to avoid cultism, peer pressure, and irregular migration.
“We are working to dissuade young girls from seeking uncertain futures abroad because the opportunities here are equally promising. Education is your strongest asset. Protect it, nurture it, and use it to build a better society,” she said.
The Principal of GSTC, Mrs. Juliet Agbonlahor, who led the delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the continuous support from the state government towards girl-child education and innovation.
Mrs. Anani reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to expanding access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for girls, noting that their success is a signpost to a brighter and more inclusive future.
Also, Mrs Anani called on women across the state to embrace peace, unity, and mutual support, stressing that these values are essential for meaningful societal progress.
She reiterated the government’s opposition to female genital mutilation (FGM), describing the practice as regressive and unacceptable.
Speaking during a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City by delegates from the Mary J. Empowerment Foundation, Esan Central Local Government Area, Mrs Anani addressed a range of social challenges facing women and encouraged greater solidarity among them.
“Your motto, Peace, Love, and Unity, should be a lived reality among women. Too often, we are our own worst enemies, tearing one another down instead of building each other up,” she said. “We must discard jealousy and gossip and instead uplift one another to succeed.”
She stressed that true leadership among women must be accompanied by respect and cooperation, not rivalry.
“It pains me when I see women trying to undermine others. I am committed to seeing every woman live a dignified and empowered life, regardless of background or status. Our duty is to be each other’s strength,” she added.
Mrs Anani also used the opportunity to reinforce the stance of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration against harmful cultural practices.
Highlighting female genital mutilation as a practice that should be abolished, she noted that such customs have no place in a progressive Edo society.
The leader of the visiting group, Mrs Mary Okojie, expressed appreciation for Mrs Anani’s efforts and pledged full support from the foundation.
“We came to thank you and to inform you that Mary J. Empowerment Foundation stands behind you. Wherever you go, these are your women, and we are committed to working with you to improve the lives of women across the state,” she stated.
The engagement is one of several initiatives by the Office of the First Lady aimed at strengthening gender advocacy and promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls in Edo State.
