EDO MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DRIVES TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT UNDER GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO’S LEADERSHIP
PRESS RELEASE
Date: November 8, 2025
Benin City, Edo State
The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdullah, yesterday addressed the press to outline the landmark achievements of the Edo State Government in advancing women empowerment, child development, and social inclusion. She noted that under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State has redefined women participation in governance, allocating 35% of cabinet positions to women and approving ₦1 billion in soft loans for market women to enhance their businesses and financial independence.
The commissioner commended the strategic collaboration between the Ministry and the Office of the coordinator of the office of First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, describing it as a partnership that has strengthened advocacy and implementation of impactful policies. Together, they have championed projects that prioritize women empowerment, girl-child education, and family welfare, yielding measurable development outcomes across the state.
She further announced that Edo State will host the 25th National Council on Women Affairs from 10th to 13th November 2025 at the Festival Hall, Government House. The event, themed “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family and Vulnerable Groups,” aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the SHINE Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, both of which emphasize inclusive governance and gender equality.
Highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to economic empowerment, the Commissioner revealed that over 54,000 women have been targeted for entrepreneurial and skills development in partnership with the Federal Government. Training programs have covered areas such as compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversion and electric vehicle maintenance, while collaborations with Genuine International Cooperation and the Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons continue to strengthen capacity-building initiatives.
In the area of social protection, Hon. Abdullah stated that the Ministry,working closely with the Office of the First Lady has provided shelter, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support for victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and abuse. It has also intensified campaigns against human trafficking, partnered with law enforcement agencies to bring offenders to justice, and pushed for harsher penalties for rape and gender-based violence.
Under skills development and rehabilitation, the Ministry successfully revamped the Uromi and Igara Skills Acquisition Centres, training 140 beneficiaries between March and July 2025, with ongoing upgrades at the Ebonu Skills Centre. Efforts have also improved conditions in orphanages and correctional facilities, while 500 women across the state’s three senatorial districts benefited from empowerment programs with tools such as freezers, POS terminals, tailoring machines, and industrial cookers.
Hon. Abdullah concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to deepening social impact through inclusive governance. “With the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the active involvement of the coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Edo State will continue to stand as a model of empowerment, compassion, and progress for women, children, and vulnerable groups,” she said.
For Media Enquiries:
Press Unit, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Edo State Government House, Benin City
