By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has been honoured with the “Best Performing Edo First Lady” Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions in promoting the course of women and for community development in the State.
Mrs. Anani was presented with the Award by the delegates of Women Leaders of Oredo and Edo Women for Okpebholo, led by Mrs. Esther Kolade, at the Government House in Benin City, where she pledged her continued support for initiatives aimed at improving healthcare in the State, as well as the groups’ proposed project on infant mortality.
According to Mrs. Anani, “We will give you all the support you need. Ideally, we should aim for zero mortality rate. Your awareness of these issues shows you are well-informed about your community’s needs. You mentioned primary healthcare, which is close to my heart. As primary healthcare is closest to the grassroot, we must ensure it’s well-equipped. I’m passionate about it because it’s often the first point of contact.”
Mrs. Anani commended the Groups’ proactive approach in identifying and tackling issues, noting its significance if adopted by all communities. In her words, “I commend you all for all you do. When local governments identify problems, many issues can be resolved, and government intervention can be minimized because you’re taking proactive steps. By identifying these issues, you are showing that your community is committed to improving health and is aware of the challenges.”
Mrs. Kolade in her remarks, appreciated Mrs. Anani for rolling out empowerment programmes since her inception in office. She enumerated some challenges of the groups’ projects and solicited support from the Office of the First Lady.
Similarly, Mrs. Anani, while playing host to the representatives from Voltage of Hype Entertainment, led by the Coordinator, Martins Gideon in her Office, highlighted the potentials of the entertainment industry in boosting the State’s revenue.
Mrs. Anani emphasized that by leveraging the industry’s potentials, the State can increase its revenue streams and create new opportunities for its citizens. According to her, “Entertainment is a major revenue driver, benefiting both the State and the Country. By harnessing this sector effectively, Edo State can significantly boost its revenue, tapping into the global entertainment industry. ”
She observed that many individuals were yet to fully tap into their full creative potentials, but remained optimistic about the sector’s prospects, believing that the entertainment industry can become a significant contributor to the State’s economic growth.
In his remarks, Mr. Gideon expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anani for meeting with them and extended to her, an invitation to their upcoming entertainment event, in commemoration of their anniversary. He added, “The main reason why we are here is to invite you to the tenth anniversary of my craft and the fifth edition of ‘Open the Warehouse of Hype’.
“It has been held in different cities both home and abroad. I normally do it here once in three years, so, this is the fifth edition. I will be pleased to have you grace the occasion.”
