Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting market women, emphasizing their crucial role in driving economic growth and development.
During the inauguration ceremony of Edo State Market Leaders at Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reiterated the administration’s dedication to providing essential resources to empower market women and men, while fostering an environment that promotes unity, peace and progress.
“This noble initiative is designed to foster unity, peace, and progress in our marketplaces, while embodying the spirit of oneness and harmony that Edo State continues to enjoy in this administration.
”Our vision is to build thriving marketplaces where traders can operate in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and mutual support. We aim to provide the necessary resources and encouragement to enable both men and women in our markets to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the economy of our dear State”. He said.
Senator Okpebholo noted that market leaders played a crucial role in promoting unity, cooperation and community among traders, which is essential for progress, adding that prioritizing women’s growth and development is key to empowering them, strengthening families and building resilient communities.
“Unity is the bedrock of progress, and as market leaders, you carry a vital responsibility to nurture cooperation, discipline, and a strong sense of community among traders. Your leadership will determine the level of peace and productivity we enjoy in our marketplaces. Our administration places high priority on women’s growth economically, socially and politically. We are determined to create opportunities that will uplift women, strengthen families and by extension, build stronger communities”. He stated.
Senator Monday further re-affirmed commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and community development, particularly supporting market women and traders in Edo State to drive economic growth and prosperity.
In her remark, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo acknowledged the opportunity to be present to inaugurate market leaders from various Local Government Areas, expressing profound gratitude and admiration for Mrs. Anani’s commitment and hospitality, while describing her as “Motherhood personified” and “a woman with a heart of gold”. The Iyaloja offered blessings and wished Mrs. Anani continued success, extending greetings to the esteemed dignitaries in attendance, including Commissioners, Directors and Market Leaders.
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole lauded the contribution of Market women towards the development of a thriving economy, urging the newly inaugurated leaders to see their roles as a call to service.
The Commissioner further emphasized Government’s commitment to empowering women through various initiatives, as they play a role in the overall development of the society.
”Market women have always been more than traders. You are teachers, caregivers and community builders. Through your daily sacrifices in the marketplace, you feed families, sustain livelihoods and contribute to the growth of our State. In truth, without the strength of our market women, the State cannot prosper. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, this institution remains committed to empowering women economically, socially and politically.
”We are strengthening healthcare, improving market infrastructure and expanding opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises. We know that when women sustain, families flourish, and communities thrive. As you are inaugurated today, I urge you to see this as a call to service”. Dr. Oshiomhole said.
He further called on market women to champion unity, fairness and progress, and to support Government Initiatives in health, sanitation and food safety, congratulating the market women on their new leadership, while expressing hope for a brighter future with empowered women and thriving markets.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the installation of Pst. Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Edo State Market Leader and the installation of “Iye-Ekis” of the various markets across the Local Government Areas of Edo State by the Iyaloja.
The event also culminated in a dignified courtesy visit by Her Excellency and the Iyaloja to pay homage to the revered Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ogidigan Oba of Benin Kingdom, at the historic Royal Palace.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
R-L:
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi; Edo State Market Leader, Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele; Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani and other stakeholders during the Inauguration ceremony of Market Leaders held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
