BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has empowered 166 vulnerable women across the state with cash grants of ₦100,000 each to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
The empowerment programme took place at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement and grand finale of the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Kenneth Ihensekhien, said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” serves as a timely reminder that the progress of any society is closely tied to how well it protects the rights, dignity and opportunities of its women and girls.
He highlighted key initiatives of his administration aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of women, including a ₦1 billion loan facility provided for market women to strengthen their businesses, boost household incomes and enhance economic resilience in communities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and programmes that promote women’s economic empowerment and wellbeing, stressing that empowering women remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth in Edo State.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who was represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, described International Women’s Day as a significant global occasion for celebrating the achievements, resilience and contributions of women and girls.
She noted that the celebration also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far and the work that still needs to be done to ensure greater opportunities for women.
Mrs Anani explained that the theme of this year’s celebration emphasises the need to move beyond discussions and commitments to concrete actions that will protect the rights of women and girls, promote justice and expand opportunities for them to thrive.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, said the celebration offers a moment to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements, strength and compassion of women and girls.
He stressed that empowering women and safeguarding their rights remain essential for building a just, inclusive and progressive society.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, said the event was organised not only to celebrate women but also to recognise the strength, courage, resilience and limitless potential they bring to families, communities and society.
According to her, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that when women rise, societies prosper, adding that the 2026 theme calls for stronger protection of women’s rights and collective action to advance gender equality.
Mrs Abdallah commended Governor Okpebholo for what she described as his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through deliberate policies and programmes designed to create opportunities for women to grow, lead and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
She also appreciated the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, for providing the platform that enabled the ministry to organise what she described as an innovative Women’s Day celebration that featured various activities.
The commissioner further acknowledged the contributions of development partners and stakeholders for their continued support towards protecting and empowering women and other vulnerable groups in the state.
She also commended men who champion gender equality, describing them as critical allies in advancing women’s rights.
Mrs Abdallah urged women to remain confident in their abilities, support one another and inspire the next generation of girls to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
She emphasised that women’s voices matter, their dreams are valid and their contributions remain invaluable to the growth and development of Edo State.
Also speaking at the event, the former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and member representing Esan North-East Constituency II, Hon. (Mrs) Marie Edeko, stressed the need for increased participation of women in governance and decision-making processes, noting that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable development.
Similarly, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche, emphasised the need to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from fear, violence and discrimination.
She called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to advance gender equality and build safer and more inclusive communities for women and girls.
High point of the event was the presentation of cash grants to the 166 beneficiaries as well as the conferment of awards on distinguished personalities, including the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu; the Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche; the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Wave Nigeria, Mr Peter Dunia; the Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson; and the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri.
