Coordinator Office Of The First Lady Charges Wives of Local Government Chairmen on Diligence, Practical Leadership

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has urged wives of Local Government Council Chairmen to embrace diligence, constructive leadership, and active community engagement. She encouraged them to support their husbands while contributing meaningfully to development initiatives within their localities.

Mrs. Anani gave the charge during an interactive session with the Chairmen’s wives at the Government House in Benin City. She underscored the importance of their roles in fostering positive change and strengthening the welfare of residents within their communities.

Speaking further, Mrs. Anani noted that the position of a Chairman’s wife carries significant influence and responsibility. “The essence of being wives of Chairmen is to assist your husbands and be a pillar of support. The load they carry is a lot, so it is essential to be that soft landing at home. They should be able to speak to you, share their feelings, and rely on you as a second voice of reasoning,” she said.

She stressed that being a “First Lady” at the local government level is not merely a title but a duty that demands commitment and initiative. She encouraged them to design and implement programmes that benefit women, children, and vulnerable groups in their areas. According to her, local governments remain the foundation of state development, aligning with the administration’s agenda of elevating the role and value of women across Edo State.

“You are vested with significant responsibilities, and it’s not easy. Projecting your husband requires carrying out these responsibilities. In your local government, you are seen as First Ladies, and being a First Lady isn’t about the title; it is about the responsibilities you take on. You should create programmes for women, children, and the vulnerable. Every state begins from the locality—without the local government, there is no state,” she stated.

Mrs. Anani further noted that supportive wives play a crucial leadership role. She urged them to provide guidance, encouragement, and prayers for their husbands, citing Hannah in the Bible as a model of supportive partnership, in contrast with Eve’s negative influence on Adam. She emphasized that wives who support effectively become leaders in their own right, responsible for women, children, and other vulnerable groups in their local government areas. She therefore encouraged them to work closely with women leaders within their communities to achieve meaningful impact.

The Leader of the Group and Chairperson of Owan East Local Government Council, Mrs. Rasheeda Aruna, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Anani on behalf of the delegates. She commended her for championing the welfare and empowerment of women, girls, children, and vulnerable persons across Edo State, acknowledging her effectiveness and compassion in advancing these causes.