The Coordinating Office of the Edo State First Lady has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his impactful first year in office, highlighting extensive empowerment programmes that have benefitted over 2,000 indigent residents across the state.
Mrs. Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, disclosed this while reviewing the achievements recorded under the governor’s first year, noting that the initiatives targeted women, youths, and men across the three senatorial districts.
She said the empowerment drive was designed to make women and young people active contributors to community development and to strengthen families across Edo State.
SHINE Agenda Driving Women & Youth-Focused Initiatives
According to Mrs. Anani, the governor’s SHINE Agenda has positioned the First Lady’s Office as a strategic engine of social impact, with major focus areas including women’s empowerment, education, health advocacy, support for survivors of gender-based violence, and inclusive governance.
She noted that the administration has enforced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, reaffirming Edo State’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence.
Support for Survivors, Action Against Trafficking
Mrs. Anani revealed that Governor Okpebholo recently supported a domestic-violence survivor, Miss Uyi Tina, with ₦5 million after her apartment was set ablaze by her estranged husband.
To combat human trafficking, the governor also facilitated the safe return of 20-year-old Miss Iwinosa Okuonobo, who was trafficked to Burkina Faso at age 15.
Health Interventions & Anti-FGM Advocacy
The First Lady’s Office partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Edo Specialist Hospital to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings during World Cancer Day activities.
Mrs. Anani added that the office remains active in campaigns against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other harmful cultural practices affecting women and girls.
Agricultural & Skills Empowerment Programmes
Under the Renewed Hope Initiative, the governor, through the First Lady’s Office, distributed farm tools, poultry chicks, improved seedlings, and clean-coal stoves to more than 500 women.
Additionally, 50 young women received technical training in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, aimed at creating sustainable livelihood options and advancing green energy adoption.
She stated that these programmes will be expanded as part of the administration’s long-term development agenda.
Gov. Okpebholo Commends First Lady’s Office
Governor Okpebholo praised Mrs. Anani for her dedication, describing the First Lady’s Office as “a beacon of hope and progress.”
He added that its multifaceted initiatives are helping lay a strong foundation for a more equitable, empowered, and resilient Edo State.
