IRRUA: As part of efforts to empower women, especially those at the grassroots, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, has distributed 250 clean stoves and pots, along with cash assistance for charcoal, to women across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Okajesan, Irrua, in Edo Central Senatorial District, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing the welfare of Edo women.
She emphasized that the Okpebholo-led administration attaches great importance to women’s empowerment and inclusiveness.
Mrs Anani said the governor remains dedicated to improving the lives of citizens through sustainable empowerment programmes. She explained that the clean stove initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on clean energy, as well as the Renewed Hope and Shine Agenda of the administration.
“In line with SDG 7 for clean energy, we’re distributing clean stoves to women across the three senatorial zones of Edo State. The goal is to ensure that every woman, especially the vulnerable, benefits from government programmes,” she stated.
She added that the initiative was part of continuous efforts to close social gaps and improve livelihoods.
“Each time we identify a need, the government steps in to bridge it. The last time, we distributed tweezers; today, we are here with clean stoves, and next time, we will provide something else. The intention is to ensure that every woman is empowered,” she said.
Mrs Anani commended the Ministry of Science and Technology for its support in facilitating the distribution exercise, describing the partnership as crucial to achieving the state’s clean energy goals.
Beneficiaries, Peters Blessing from Esan North-East, Osewe Glory from Esan South-East, and Justina Marcus from Esan West expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture, describing it as unprecedented
