Governor Monday Okpebholo recently approved one billion naira as soft loans for market women across Edo State. He made this announcement during an event celebrating the 2025 International Women's Day in Benin City. The governor believes these loans will help the women expand their businesses, improve their lives, and strengthen the state economy. He explained that the financial support recognizes their loyalty, dedication, and contributions to moving the state forward.
The governor expressed his excitement about the Women's Day celebration, calling it the most colorful event he had attended at the Festival Hall since taking office. He emphasized how essential women are to society, saying men cannot succeed without women. The loan approval process had already begun when the request came to his desk, and he quickly gave it the green light. The funds are ready, and his team has started talking with financial institutions about distribution methods.
Governor Okpebholo praised the women for their honesty and reliability, especially during elections. He values their word as trustworthy and firm. The First Lady's Office Coordinator, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, encouraged all women in Edo State to speak up and make their voices heard. She stressed that nobody should silence or push women aside because they matter greatly. She urged women to remain committed and add value through their careers, community work, and other life pursuits.
Mrs. Anani applauded the governor for taking bold steps to ensure equal opportunities for all Edo women. The gathering celebrated women's achievements and renewed calls for meaningful change. She described the theme, Accelerate Action, as more than just empty words but a serious call for inclusion, change, and teamwork. She highlighted the need to remove barriers like systemic inequality, violence against women and girls, and economic gaps that limit women's progress worldwide.
The annual International Women's Day celebration focuses on women's accomplishments globally and creates space to plan strategies for removing obstacles to women's advancement. The 2025 theme emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action toward gender equality, addressing slow progress, and empowering women and girls everywhere.
The governor expressed his excitement about the Women's Day celebration, calling it the most colorful event he had attended at the Festival Hall since taking office. He emphasized how essential women are to society, saying men cannot succeed without women. The loan approval process had already begun when the request came to his desk, and he quickly gave it the green light. The funds are ready, and his team has started talking with financial institutions about distribution methods.
Governor Okpebholo praised the women for their honesty and reliability, especially during elections. He values their word as trustworthy and firm. The First Lady's Office Coordinator, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, encouraged all women in Edo State to speak up and make their voices heard. She stressed that nobody should silence or push women aside because they matter greatly. She urged women to remain committed and add value through their careers, community work, and other life pursuits.
Mrs. Anani applauded the governor for taking bold steps to ensure equal opportunities for all Edo women. The gathering celebrated women's achievements and renewed calls for meaningful change. She described the theme, Accelerate Action, as more than just empty words but a serious call for inclusion, change, and teamwork. She highlighted the need to remove barriers like systemic inequality, violence against women and girls, and economic gaps that limit women's progress worldwide.
The annual International Women's Day celebration focuses on women's accomplishments globally and creates space to plan strategies for removing obstacles to women's advancement. The 2025 theme emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action toward gender equality, addressing slow progress, and empowering women and girls everywhere.
