FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day IWD, Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved N1 billion soft loans for market women to help boost their businesses and improve their lives.
Declaring open an event in commemoration of the Day, Okpebholo commended Edo women for their steadfastness, dedication and commitment to moving the state forward.
The governor said his administration has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women to improve their businesses and boost the economy.
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 at the Government House, but have never seen a colourful event like this.
“We can actually do nothing as men without women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved N1 billion for our market women.
“The process is 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.
“Women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get it, especially during the election. Their words are firm”.
Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo, urged Edo women never to be silent, pushed back, shut down or strangled as their voices must be heard because they matter.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and renew the call for 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 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.
IWD is an annual celebration of the achievements of women across the globe, as well as an avenue to strategise 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.
The event, which was organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, had in attendance women from various segments of the nation’s economy.
