The Edo State Government has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women across the state as part of its commitment to women’s empowerment and grassroots economic development. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, during a press conference in Benin City, where she outlined key achievements under the state’s SHINE Agenda.
Abdallah said the initiative was designed to empower women at the grassroots level, those closest to consumers, by providing access to capital that will help expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. She added that over 54,000 women have been identified to benefit from entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, and skills development programmes.
“The state government has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women to boost their businesses,” Abdallah stated. “I must commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive governance, as 35 percent of cabinet positions are currently occupied by women.”
She noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has also strengthened its social protection programmes to support vulnerable groups, including trafficked women, rape survivors, and victims of domestic violence. According to her, the ministry provides rehabilitation, shelter, and care services to restore dignity and stability to affected individuals and families.
“We have given hope and dignity to those who thought all was lost,” Abdallah said, reaffirming the ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence.
Highlighting the ministry’s strides in skills development, Abdallah revealed that the Uromi and Igarra Skills Acquisition Centres have been revitalised, producing over 140 graduates in 2025. She also disclosed that the Evbuomodu Centre is being upgraded in partnership with the Edo State Skills Development Agency to expand vocational training opportunities for women and youth.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo First Lady, Edesili Anani, for their consistent support and collaboration in advancing the ministry’s mandate.
“We are building a future where every woman and child in Edo State can live with dignity, contribute meaningfully, and realise their full potential. Together, we will continue to make Edo shine brighter,” she said.
Abdallah reaffirmed that the state government’s investments in women’s empowerment reflect a strategic effort to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development across all sectors of the Edo economy.
