Edesili Anani Calls on Legislators’ Wives to Lead with Purpose and Drive Transformative Change

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called on wives of members of the Edo State House of Assembly to use their positions to champion meaningful change within their communities. She encouraged them to take deliberate steps in advancing social progress and supporting initiatives that uplift families, promote unity, and foster grassroots development.

Mrs. Anani gave the charge while hosting the Legislators’ Wives at the Government House in Benin City. She urged them to view their roles as platforms for service, emphasizing that their influence can significantly shape development outcomes in their constituencies.

According to her, leadership at any level requires selflessness, purpose, and commitment. “We are beginning to change the narrative. You must be selfless to help your community. Money isn’t everything, and you don’t have to attach a price to doing what is right,” she stated. She encouraged them to design and implement impactful programmes within their communities, adding that while their husbands have a public mandate, they also carry their own unique responsibilities. “You will not always stand behind your husband. You should be able to stand beside him and showcase what you have,” she added.

Mrs. Anani further emphasized that they are not ordinary wives but women with purpose, leadership potential, and the ability to uplift society. She noted that women play indispensable roles in development, stating, “You are wives who help your husbands uplift society and amplify the voices of women, girls, and the vulnerable. You exist to drive change and add value to your communities. Let me tell you, nothing moves without women.”

She urged them to identify community needs and determine the lasting impact they hope to make in their constituencies. Highlighting the importance of grassroots development, she stressed that state progress begins at the local level. She called on the women to prioritize the marginalized and extend support beyond the elites or the most visible individuals.

Speaking on family and leadership dynamics, Mrs. Anani reminded them of the crucial role they play in providing emotional and strategic support to their husbands. “If you create problems at home, the State won’t have peace. Leaders won’t enact good laws. We are called to be helpmates—silent yet powerful voices at home, asking the right questions. What will you do for women? What policies will you create?” She noted that certain perspectives—especially concerning women—are better articulated by women themselves, reinforcing her advocacy for greater female representation in parliament.

Mrs. Anani also highlighted the importance of inclusion, referencing the Reserved Seats Bill as an avenue for collaboration and broader women’s participation in governance. She affirmed that the partnership between her office, legislators, and their spouses aims to enrich women’s lives through targeted and strategic engagements.

The Leader of the Group and wife of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku, praised Mrs. Anani for her leadership and community impact. She noted that their visit symbolized the legislators’ wives’ collective support for the First Lady’s mission. “These initiatives have transformed lives and strengthened the social fabric of our communities. Your commitment reflects a rare blend of vision and humanity,” she said.

Mrs. Agbebaku expressed the group’s eagerness to partner with the Office of the Edo State First Lady on programmes that uplift women, children, and vulnerable groups. She described Mrs. Anani’s advocacy as a model of meaningful service. According to her, “Leadership is not only about holding office; it is about touching lives, giving hope, and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with your office to ensure your vision resonates across the State and the nation.”