(C) in long white robe, Edo State Comm. for Women Affairs and Social Dev. Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, flanked on the immediate (L) Perm Sec. Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien and on the (R), the Director/Clerk (Team Lead), Hajia Aishatu Inusa
From our news desk, Benin
As part of its two-day assessment visit to Edo State, a delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, was on a courtesy call to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Benin, the State Capital.
The Director/Clerk (Team Lead), Hajia Aishatu Inusa, leader of the delegation while speaking explained that its visit was an assessment, and not an interrogation.
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As it was aimed at evaluating implementation of the second phase of the Jewels of Hope and Development in Nigeria programme; and the collaboration between the Ministry and Office of the First Lady.
This was made known in a press release by Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry, and circulated amongst journalists in Benin.
Inusa was said to have pointed out that the assessment would identify Edo State’s success stories for possible replication, in other States.
The team, she said would undertake field visits to assess projects firsthand; emphasising that while the Ministry is funded through government budgetary allocations, the Office of the First Lady carries out interventions through humanitarian initiatives.
Welcoming the visitors, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Eugenia Abdallah appreciated the Committee for its oversight role, Osunde said.
While she reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting the welfare of women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through programmes on women’s empowerment, child protection, social welfare, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The Commissioner was said to have also highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with development partners, civil society organisations, security agencies, the judiciary, and healthcare providers; while calling for sustained support to address increasing demands for protection services and rehabilitation programmes.
To cap discussion held, the delegation was accompanied by the Honourable Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and staff of the Ministry to embark on an inspection tour of key facilities.
(C), Edo State Comm. for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, flanked on the (L), Perm Sec. Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien and (R), Director/Clerk (Team Lead), Hajia Aishatu Inusa going on an inspection of facilities
The team reportedly visited the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), where they were received and taken round the facility by the Centre Manager, Dr. Faith Edebor.
The delegation also visited the Edo State Migration Agency, where the Director General, Hon. Chief Lucky Agazuma received the team and conducted them round the agency’s facilities, highlighting its efforts in addressing migration-related issues in the State.
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The assessment team proceeded to the Children’s Correctional Centre at Ugbekun, Upper Sakponba Road, before visiting the expansive farmland allocated to female farmers through the Office of the First Lady, coordinated by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani and facilitated by the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria.
At the farm, some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for providing them with access to farmland and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
To demonstrate the success of the initiative, they harvested cassava in the presence of the delegation, showcasing the productivity and impact of the programme.
The assessment visit continues with further engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration and enhancing programmes that improve the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable persons across Edo State.
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