BY GLORIA OSEMUDIAMHEN
The Edo State Government has called for increased collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) to expand programmes targeted at the socio-economic and political empowerment of women in the state.
The appeal was made by the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during a courtesy visit by FMITI representatives at the Government House in Benin City.
The visit came ahead of the official graduation of 50 women who have been trained in Edo State as the country’s first all-female cohort of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle converters.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Mrs Anani described Edo as a land of immense cultural wealth and opportunity, stating that under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, a new wave of development was unfolding across sectors.
She commended the FMITI’s initiative of involving women in technical fields traditionally dominated by men, particularly in mechanics and automotive conversion.
“This is about placing women in spaces where they have historically been excluded,” she said.
“We are promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by encouraging women to work on vehicles.
Through this, we are not only empowering them economically but also increasing their contributions to the state’s GDP and removing them from vulnerable circumstances.”
Mrs Anani appealed for more initiatives focusing on women and girls, stating that such interventions instil a sense of purpose and economic stability.
In his response, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Mrs Ifeoma Williams, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to women-centred development.
“Women empowerment is central to Senator John’s vision, especially as Nigeria undergoes industrial transformation,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, praised the Edo State Government for its pioneering role in energy transition and female empowerment in the automotive sector.
He noted that Edo not only has one of the highest number of female mechanics in Nigeria but also leads in early adoption of CNG technologies.
“This is the first all-female CNG training in the country, and we’re doing it in Edo,” Osanipin said.
“We’ve already secured land in Benin City and are partnering with the University of Benin to establish an electric vehicle charging station.
We believe this step will encourage wider use of electric vehicles, and we are committed to supporting Edo State in this transition.”
He reiterated the council’s readiness to partner with the state government in driving Nigeria’s shift towards clean energy and inclusive economic growth through strategic technical training and innovation.
