By Wisdom Agbonta
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has embarked on a significant initiative to empower women in the State through a partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to equip them with skills and resources to become self-reliant economically.
The initiative was brokered in a stakeholders’ engagement between the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., and the Directorate in Benin City, where the Commissioner restated her Ministry’s commitment to promoting economic development and empowerment for women by creating an enabling environment for them to thrive in the State.
Chief Idaomi appreciated the significance of collaborating with the NDE and outlined plans to train 1,000 women across the three senatorial districts of the State on agricultural and vocational skills, which according to her, will make them to be economically independent and reduce their level of vulnerability in the society.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NDE, Mr. James Ikhanoba, listed the Directorate’s programmes to include Job Creation, Skills Development, Apprenticeship Training, and Public Works, targeting youths, women, and vulnerable groups. He commended Chief Idaomi for her tireless efforts in promoting women’s welfare and economic empowerment in the State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien appreciated the NDE’s initiative, and recommended that providing trainees with starter packs would motivate them to launch their own businesses and become self-reliant.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chef Bisi Idaomi Esq. (middle); the State Coordinator of NDE, Mr. James Ikhanoba (4th left); the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien (3rd left); With other staff of the Ministry and representatives of NDE
