A ₦1 billion soft loan has been authorized by Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo for market women in the state to enable them to improve their lives and grow their businesses.
In Benin, the governor made this announcement on Friday while kicking off a celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day. Women from all sectors of the country’s economy attended the event, which was hosted by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
He praised Edo women for their perseverance, hard work, and dedication to the advancement of the state.
He said: “Since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colourful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House, but have never seen a colourful event like this.”
“We can actually do nothing as men without the women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved ₦1 billion for our market women.”
“The process is already ongoing, and we are talking to the relevant financial institution for disbursement as the money is ready and it is credited only to Edo women.”
“The women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get their backing, especially during the election. Their words are firm.”
Edesili Anani Okpebholo, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, had earlier urged Edo women to never be silenced, repressed, shut down, or strangled because their views are important. She urged students to be dedicated and valuable in all they do, whether it be in their communities, careers, or other endeavors.
Anani praised Governor Okpebholo for acting decisively to guarantee that no Edo woman is left behind in the pursuit of justice and fair chances.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and renew the call for a transformative change. The celebration reminds us of the incredible progress made by women and the world.”
“This year’s theme: ‘Accelerate action’ is not a mare slogan but a call for urgent inclusion, decisive change, and collaborative efforts.”
“We must come together to end the barriers that still deny thousands of women their fundamental human rights, systemic inequality, violence against women and the girl child, economic disparity, which have held back women’s progress around the globe. It is our duty to dismantle these obstacles in our environment,” she urged.
The IWD is an annual celebration of the achievements of women across the globe as well as an avenue to strategize on ending barriers to women advancement.
The 2025 IWD celebration with the theme: “Accelerate action”, emphasizes the urgent need to take decisive steps towards achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
