The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has urged wives of House of Assembly members to leverage their leadership in their communities to drive positive change.
Mrs. Anani gave the charge while playing host the Legislators’ wives at the Government House in Benin City. She advised them to use their influential position in advocating social progress and support for initiatives that uplift families, promote unity, and strengthen local development in their respective domains.
According to Mrs. Anani, “We are beginning to change the narrative. You must be selfless to help your community. Money isn’t everything. You don’t have to attach a price tag to doing what’s right. When we step out for work, it’s not about the money. it’s about creating awareness. I will plead with you to come up with events, meaningful and impactful programmes that you can do at your community level. It’s not that your husband shouldn’t do it, but you will not be standing behind your husband all the time. You should be able to stand beside him and showcase what you have.
”I want to encourage you, you are not just wives who sit at home. You are wives with a purpose. You are wives who help your husbands uplift the society, and amplify the voices of women, girls, and the vulnerable. You exist to drive change and add value to your families and communities. Let me tell you, nothing moves without women.”
Mrs. Anani encouraged the legislators’ wives to support their husbands while taking ownership of their contributions, urging them to identify community-focused projects in their constituencies. She asked, “What lasting impact do they aspire to make?” She asserted that local development drives state progress, stressing the need to prioritize the marginalized over personal gains, and to extend support to the grassroots, not just the visible few.
”The support you give to your husband is very important. I always say that. If you create problem at home, the State won’t have peace. Leaders won’t enact good laws. You know, that’s the reality. But we’re called to be helpmates to our spouses. Support systems that empower them to do better for us. Be that silent yet powerful voice at home, asking what do you do for women? What policies will you create? How will you uplift a woman’s life? There are things men can’t articulate. That’s why I advocate for more women in parliament.”
Anani emphasized that inclusion is key, citing the Reserved Seats Bill as a platform for collaboration. She concluded that the partnership between her office, legislators, and their wives, aims to improve women’s lives through strategic meetings.
The Leader of the Group and wife of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku, lauded Mrs. Anani’s leadership and community impact, adding that their visit underscored the Team’s support for her mission. In her words, “These initiatives have not only transformed lives but have also strengthened the social fabric of our communities. Your commitment reflects a rare blend of vision and humanity, setting an example for all of us. Our visit today is motivated by a desire to express our respect and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting your noble causes. We believe strongly that progress is best achieved when leaders and citizens collaborate with a shared purpose”.
Mrs. Agbebaku expressed the Group’s eagerness to partner the Office of the Edo State First Lady on initiatives which uplift women, children, and the vulnerable. She appreciated Mrs. Anani’s advocacy as a model of impactful service. According to her, “In this spirit, we look forward to exploring avenues of partnership especially in areas that directly uplift the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups. Your Excellency, we are encouraged by your continued advocacy which reminds us that 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 that your vision resonates throughout the Nation”.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani (6th Right); the Wife of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and Leader of the Group, Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku (5th right); with legislators’ wives, during an engagement with the Office of the Edo First Lady at the Government House in Benin City
