The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and gender-responsive governance.
Governor Okpebholo said that Edo remains a symbol of women’s courage, excellence, and leadership in Nigeria’s history.
Declaring open the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development (NCWACD) in Benin City, the Governor said;
“Hosting this 25th National Council on Women Affairs is not just an honour for Edo State, it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to building a Nigeria where every woman and every child can live with dignity, purpose, and hope.”
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, the Governor highlighted Edo women’s historic roles in nation-building, noting that “women from the state have long embodied leadership, resilience, and innovation.”
“Long before gender equality became a global movement, Edo women were already shaping history and leadership. From ancient times to today, the Edo story remains incomplete without the courage and strength of our women,” he said.
He paid tribute to women who have defined the Edo legacy — including Queen Idia, Emotan, and Professor Grace Alele-Williams, the first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria, describing them as symbols of courage, loyalty, and brilliance.
Governor Okpebholo also celebrated Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the first female Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, calling it “another historic milestone for women in leadership.”
Aligning his message with the theme of the Council — “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family, and Vulnerable Groups,” the Governor said Edo’s policies are in step with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusion and economic empowerment.
“In Edo State, we are fully committed to advancing women’s empowerment and social inclusion. We are building structures that guarantee women are not just participants but drivers of sustainable development,” he affirmed.
The Governor outlined his administration’s ongoing interventions, including interest-free loans for women traders, strengthening gender-responsive ministries, appointing women to key leadership roles, expanding education and healthcare access for women and girls and expressed commitment to continued progressive partnerships with the Nigerian Government.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and development partners to build sustainable frameworks that make inclusion a measurable reality,” he pledged.
Governor Okpebholo urged women and youths to take advantage of the opportunities provided under the Renewed Hope Social Agenda.
“To our women and youths, I say, this is your time to shine. Let your creativity and courage drive the transformation of our state. The future of Edo will be shaped by your hands, your ideas, and your determination,” he said.
Olusola Akintonde