ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, has revealed that the state government has approved N1bn in soft loans for market women to strengthen their enterprises and improve their standard of living.
Abdallah disclosed this on Saturday during a press briefing in Benin City, where she outlined major accomplishments of the state government under its SHINE Agenda.
She explained that the programme was created to assist women at the grassroots those directly connected to consumers enabling them to grow their businesses and contribute more significantly to Edo State’s economic development.
According to her, 54,000 women are being targeted for entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, and skills acquisition under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts to elevate the economic well-being of women across the state.
“The state government has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women to boost their businesses,” Abdallah said. “I must commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive governance, as 35 per cent of cabinet positions are currently occupied by women.
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“This administration has shown that empowering women is not just a promise but a lived reality,” she added.
She noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has expanded social protection initiatives for vulnerable groups in the state.
According to Abdallah, the ministry has provided rehabilitation and shelter support for trafficked women, rape survivors, and victims of domestic abuse, while ensuring that the children of affected women receive suitable care and protection.
“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.
Speaking on skills development, Abdallah revealed that the Uromi and Igarra Skills Acquisition Centres have been revitalised, producing more than 140 graduates in 2025.
She added that the Evbuomodu Centre is currently undergoing upgrades in collaboration with the Edo State Skills Development Agency to broaden training options for women and young people.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo First Lady, Edesili Anani, for their partnership and sustained backing in driving 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 stated.
Abdallah emphasized that the state government’s investments in women’s empowerment form part of a deliberate strategy to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across all sectors of the economy.