IWD2025: GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO EMPOWERS EDO MARKET WOMEN WITH N1BN SOFT LOAN

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

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 in soft loans for market women in the state to help boost their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Declaring open an event in commemoration of the day, Governor Okpebholo commended Edo women for their steadfastness, dedication, and commitment to moving the state forward.

The Governor stated that his administration has approved the loan to enhance business opportunities and stimulate economic growth among female entrepreneurs in Edo State.

He said: “Since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colorful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House but have never seen a colorful event like this.

“We can actually do nothing as men without the 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 already ongoing, and we are engaging with the relevant financial institutions for disbursement. The money is ready and is exclusively for Edo women.

“The women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get their backing, especially during the election. Their words are firm.”

Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, urged Edo women never to be silent, pushed back, shut down, as their voices must be heard because they matter.

She called on Edo women to add value and be committed in all they do in their careers, communities, and other life endeavors.

Anani commended Governor Okpebholo for taking decisive steps to ensure that no Edo woman is left behind in the quest for equal opportunities and justice.

“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 across the world.

“This year’s theme: ‘Accelerate Action’ is not just a slogan but a call for urgent inclusion, decisive change, and collaborative efforts.

“We must come together to end the barriers that still deny thousands of women their fundamental human rights—systemic inequality, violence against women and girls, and economic disparity—which have hindered women’s progress around the globe. It is our duty to dismantle these obstacles in our environment,” she urged.

The IWD is an annual celebration of the achievements of women across the globe as well as an avenue to strategize on ending barriers to women’s 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, was organized by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, had in attendance women from various sectors of the nation’s economy.