By Wisdom Agbonta
As part of the event marking the graduation of 50 female mechanics, who were trained on compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion, the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering women not on the ground of social justice or equality, but as crucial step for overall development of the State.
Sen. Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, reaffirmed the commitment at the event, themed, “CNG conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive industry,” which held at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City. He acknowledged the efforts of the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in making the programme possible.
Governor Okpebholo remarked that Edo State is making history with the initiative, being the first time a programme has been designed specifically to train female mechanics in collaboration with the LMI. He maintained that empowering women is a priority for his administration, driven by the understanding that it has exponential effects on the State economy.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated, “This programme is not just about CNG conversion or technical skills; it is about rewriting the script of opportunity. It is about embedding women at the heart of our national industrial and clean energy transition; not as passive beneficiaries, but as drivers of change, leaders of innovation, and custodians of transformation. That this is happening in Edo State is no coincidence. Edo is a beacon of progressive leadership and women-led development.”
In a remark, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani stated, “CNG offers a valuable solution, and by training women in this field, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. I urge all graduates today to take full advantage and apply their newfound skills to creating meaningful impact in their communities.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., noted that the Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering women and promoting their welfare.
Chief Idaomi asserted that the Government has launched initiatives to empower women with valuable skills, including training of 4,000 mechanics in CNG conversion and introducing women to “Keke NAPEP” riding through the Okpebholo Riders Program; empowerment of 1,000 women every quarter; amongst others. She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has pledged to tackle all forms of criminality, including gender-based violence, which corroborated the Government’s intolerance for any form of violence against women in the State.
highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduates, marking a significant milestone in their training as CNG conversion mechanics.
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Mrs. Ifeoma Williams; the All Progressive Congress National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Idele Alile; the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu; the Director General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin; the President of Lady Mechanics Association of Nigeria, Engr. (Dr) Sandra Aguebor; among others.
