From our news desk, Benin
In furtherance of efforts to bolster women empowerment and economic growth, the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, have entered into collaboration.
The partnership was highlighted during a Meet and Greet and Stakeholders Engagement with South-South women groups in Edo State, held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City.
This was contained in a press release by Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry and circulated amongst journalists in Benin.
The engagement brought together representatives of women organisations, community leaders and government officials to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration, capacity building and sustainable socio-economic development, it was said.
Perm Sec. Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien representing the Hon. Comm. Edo State Min. of Women Affairs and Social Dev
Speaking at the event, the Edo State representative on the SSDC Governing Board, Barrister Osedebamen Femi Oise Agge, said the Commission was committed to inclusive development, particularly through interventions targeted at women, youths and traditional institutions across the South-South region.
He was said to have disclosed that women groups, including market women, artisans and digital entrepreneurs, would benefit from targeted skills development, capacity building and starter packs aimed at promoting economic self-reliance.
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, described the engagement as an important platform for transforming partnerships into practical opportunities for women.
The Commissioner said the empowerment of women remained critical to the development of Edo State, stressing that women must be supported not only as beneficiaries of government programmes but as key drivers of economic growth and community transformation.
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“Women are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are active drivers of economic growth, community development, social stability and sustainable transformation.
“When women are equipped with the right skills, resources and opportunities, they become stronger contributors to the development of their families, communities and the State.”
Hon. Abdallah further expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work with the SSDC and other development partners to create more opportunities for women through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, access to economic resources and strategic partnerships.
As she noted; that such collaboration aligns with the S.H.I.N.E. Agenda of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo particularly its emphasis on human capital development and inclusive growth.
Participants were said to have commended the SSDC and the Ministry for creating the platform, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen networking, knowledge sharing and practical interventions for women across Edo State.
While the event featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah in recognition of the Ministry’s support, and souvenirs distributed to participants.
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