From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has begun a three-day capacity-building training for vulnerable women in the state.
The training, taking place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), focuses on Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Digital Marketing, aimed at equipping women with practical entrepreneurial and digital skills to improve their livelihoods.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs. Betty Okonobo, emphasized the importance of equipping women with practical business knowledge and skills.
Mrs Anani noted that empowering women economically strengthens families and communities, and encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, learn from facilitators and fellow trainees, and apply the knowledge to improve their lives.
Mrs Eugenia Abdallah Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development delivering her address at the capacity building training program for women
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, while welcoming participants to the event, described the training as a strategic step towards strengthening women’s economic empowerment in Edo State.
She explained the programme was organized as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, with the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
According to her, the theme highlights the importance of collective efforts in ensuring that women and girls enjoy equal rights, protection, and opportunities.
Mrs Abdallah stated that empowering vulnerable women with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge remains a priority for the state government, stressing that the Ministry remains committed to creating platforms that promote empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development for women across the state.
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“This training programme is a practical demonstration of our commitment as a government to empower vulnerable women with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
“When women are empowered economically and socially, they become stronger agents of change, driving development and stability in society.”
The Commissioner explained that participants would be exposed to valuable training sessions designed to enhance their capacity in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and personal development.
She urged the participants to maximize the opportunity by actively engaging with facilitators, asking questions, and sharing experiences that could enrich the learning process.
“We expect that the knowledge gained here will not only transform your lives but also inspire you to become role models within your communities.”
Mrs. Abdallah also expressed appreciation to development partners, including IOM and GIZ, and other stakeholders for their collaboration, emphasizing that their continued support has strengthened the collective efforts to uplift women and ensure that no one is left behind.
“As we officially declare this training program open, it is my hope that the outcomes will contribute significantly to the realization of a society where women are empowered, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.”
Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development addressing the trainees
During the session, representatives from Genius Hub, Adesua Amadi-Emma and Destined Omo delivered presentations on E-commerce marketing, educating participants on how to use digital platforms to promote their products and services.
They highlighted practical ways entrepreneurs can increase visibility, attract customers, and expand their businesses by taking advantage of opportunities in the digital marketplace.
Representatives from the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) and the Migrant Resource Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour Employment also facilitated sessions during the training, focusing on key areas such as developing an entrepreneurial mindset, business planning essentials, business registration and licensing processes, as well as strategies for understanding and effectively managing customers.
The sessions were designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and guidance needed to successfully start, formalize, and sustain their businesses.
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