BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has recorded major institutional milestones in women’s economic empowerment, child protection, social welfare, and gender-based violence interventions during the first year in office of its Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah.
In an official statement released in Benin City, the Ministry’s Director of Media, Daisy Osunde, announced the accomplishments of Hon. Abdallah’s administration under the SHINE Agenda of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
She stated that the Ministry initiated comprehensive institutional reforms and targeted social interventions designed to uplift vulnerable citizens, protect families, and foster inclusive governance across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Outlining key regional achievements, the Media Director disclosed that Edo State successfully hosted the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin City.
To strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Osunde noted that the Ministry commissioned and operationalized a functional Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Uromi to provide free medical, legal, and psychosocial support to survivors, while advancing preparations to establish a second facility in Auchi.
Addressing modern digital risks, the Ministry also developed and validated a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy Framework to shield women and young girls from cyber abuse, online harassment, and digital exploitation.
To drive economic self-reliance at the grassroots level, she added that the Ministry trained 171 women across the state in digital marketing and business management, empowering each participant with a ₦100,000 enterprise grant.
According to her, the administration further staged a three-day Women’s Mini Trade Fair in Benin City, creating expanded commercial opportunities for local female entrepreneurs.
Also on child safeguarding, the Ministry deployed the Children First Software to digitize case management, updated the Edo State Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and shut down an illegal children’s home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, handing the operator over to security agencies for investigation into irregular adoption practices.
Expanding its social safety net, the Director of Media explained that the Ministry conducted street evacuations, psychiatric treatments, family tracings, and reunifications, including the rescue and rehabilitation of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a Nigerian deportee found wandering in Benin City.
Through the statement, the Media Director added that 80 vulnerable individuals completed vocational skills acquisition programs and received start-up kits to re-establish sustainable livelihoods.
According to the official release, Commissioner Abdallah attributed the Ministry’s recorded successes to the leadership and policy direction of Governor Monday Okpebholo, acknowledging also the support of the Office of the First Lady, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
Marking her first anniversary in office, Hon. Abdallah reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating these achievements and expanding welfare programs across Edo State in line with the SHINE AGENDA of the Okpebholo’s administration.
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