Courtesy visit: (C) in blue colour attire; Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, on her (L), PS Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien and flanked by the UNIBEN students groups. Photo – EMWASD
• Pledges support for youth development initiatives
From our news desk, Benin
Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Thursday, 7 May, 2026 received delegations from two student bodies of the University of Benin during separate courtesy visits aimed at seeking collaboration and support for youth-focused initiatives.
The groups included the University of Benin Management Sciences students’ body and the Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONS), University of Benin chapter.
The Ministry’s media team led by Daisy Osunde, a director made this known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Sunday.
Speaker, Association of Management Sciences Students, UNIBEN Chapter, Isinugben Christopher (standing) addresses the host
According to the press release, Speaker of UNIBEN Management Sciences, Isinugben Christopher while addressing the host; said the purpose of their visit was to inform the ministry about their forthcoming business summit themed: “Business Beyond Borders” and to seek partnership.
He added; the summit was designed to equip students with practical knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the evolving digital economy, it was stated.
Further, he was said to have disclosed that discussions at the summit would focus extensively on business opportunities in the digital age, with special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
Isinugben stressed that students must be adequately informed to remain relevant in a competitive global environment, the press release said.
He further revealed, that over one thousand students are expected to participate in the summit, which will also feature panel sessions highlighting the activities and programmes of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Advertisement
Making a remark, the Director of Health, Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONS), UNIBEN Chapter, Ojeabulu Deborah, said the body is proposing several impactful programmes targeted at improving students’ welfare and amplifying their voices, it was stated.
She was said to have explained, that one of the proposed initiatives is a town hall meeting titled: “Our Opinion Matters,” which will provide students with the opportunity to openly discuss the challenges confronting them in the academic environment.
Advertisement
According to her, resource persons and stakeholders would be invited to address the concerns raised, while recommendations from the engagement would be documented and presented to appropriate authorities for consideration.
Deborah was quoted to have further revealed; that the association is also proposing a female outreach programme aimed at supporting vulnerable female students through the distribution of sanitary pads and food items, as well as sponsoring young students interested in starting small-scale businesses.
Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah was quoted to have commended the student groups for their innovative and people-oriented initiatives; describing them as commendable efforts towards nation building and youth empowerment.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that equip young people with relevant knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and opportunities that will enable them become productive members of society.
Hon. Abdallah emphasized that the governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration in Edo State remains passionate about youth inclusion, women empowerment and human capital development, it was said.
Hence the students must take advantage of platforms that promote innovation, leadership and self-development, she added.
The Commissioner also encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined and proactive, noting that collaboration between government institutions and youth bodies was essential in addressing societal challenges and creating sustainable development across the State, it was said.
Sponsored Content
About the Author
