Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development Marks International Widows’ Day with Empowerment Drive
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Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development Marks International Widows’ Day with Empowerment Drive
By Adesuwa Ehimuan
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development today commemorated International Widows’ Day 2025 under the theme “Access to Justice and Empowerment for Vulnerable Widows” at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City.
The event opened with a goodwill message from the Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who was represented by Hajia Nimata Ikhilor, wife of the Secretary to the State Government, she observed that the occasion “serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many widows face in our society, including poverty, social isolation, and lack of access to justice. Widowhood, far too often, marks the beginning of lifelong hardship.”
She urged the community to reject harmful widowhood practices dehumanizing rites that perpetuate oppression and to ensure widows can claim their legal and property rights.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, noted, “This day marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting one of the most vulnerable yet resilient segments of our society our widows. We gather not merely to acknowledge their struggles but to celebrate their strength and invaluable contributions.”
Chief Idaomi highlighted that, despite the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, enforcement of widow-protection measures remains inconsistent.
She appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for prioritizing sustainable interventions over temporary relief and his unalloyed support to Widows’ and Women Empowerment in Edo State.
Delivering his goodwill message, Mr. Jolly Ogbeide, Chairman of Ikoba–Okha Local Government Area, affirmed, “This day reminds us of our civic responsibility to care for widows. To our widows: you are not alone—we stand with you and honor you.”
The ceremony’s high point was the distribution of empowerment packages to selected beneficiaries. The widows received grinding and sewing machines, popcorn makers with gas cylinders, 80-liter coolers with umbrellas and chairs, hand dryers, cash grants, and electronic Point-of-Sale terminals from Opay and Zenith Bank.
Among the beneficiaries, Evangelist Rosemary Elawure and Mrs Vivian Ogiemen expressed profound gratitude to Governor Okpebholo, Coordinator Office of the First Lady, and Commissioner, Chief Idaomi for the tangible and unwavering support.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Mrs. Irene Ihensekhien, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; Mrs. Ada Helen Agbonika, Chairperson, Police Officers Wives Association, Barr. Felix Isere, Special Adviser on Oil and Gas; Pharmacist Kenny Okojie, Director of Primary Health Care; Professor Lucy Okukpon, Director of Gender Studies at the University of Benin; Mrs. Betty Okonobor, Special Adviser on Special Duty to the First Lady, and Mrs. Mabel Obetor, Chief Protocol Officer. Office of the First Lady, Mrs Esther Kolade, Oredo APC woman leader, amongst others.
Through this initiative, Edo State Government reaffirms its commitment to empowering widows with resources, legal support, and social recognition they deserve.
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