Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
More than 300 women in Edo State have benefited from micro-business grants provided by the Office of the Edo State First Lady as part of efforts to strengthen families, promote women’s economic independence and drive prosperity across communities.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, disclosed this on Monday in Benin while addressing beneficiaries at an empowerment programme themed, “Micro Business Empowerment: Empowering Women, Strengthening Families, Building a Prosperous Edo.”
Okpebholo said the initiative was aimed at helping women expand and strengthen their businesses while creating greater economic opportunities for their families.
She noted that the beneficiaries were drawn particularly from Edo Central and Edo North, adding that the programme reflected the administration’s commitment to supporting women and improving household livelihoods across the state.
She said the programme reflected the commitment of the administration to improving the welfare of citizens through economic empowerment, inclusive development and direct support aimed at promoting self-reliance and productivity.
According to her, women across Edo State were actively involved in various economic activities, including trading, agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, petty businesses and crafts, but many required modest financial support to expand their enterprises.
She urged the beneficiaries to treat the grants as seed capital and invest them wisely by increasing their stock, improving their services, acquiring necessary tools and expanding their customer base.
The coordinator also advised the women to maintain financial discipline by keeping proper business records, separating business capital from personal expenses, reinvesting profits and continuously acquiring knowledge to improve their businesses.
Okpebholo further urged the beneficiaries to prioritise their health, advising them to get adequate rest after their daily activities and undergo regular medical check-ups.
She said, “You need to be alive for your families,” stressing the importance of good health in sustaining their businesses and supporting their loved ones.
Also speaking, the Zonal Head of Business (ZHOB), South-South 1 Zone, LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd., Mrs Vivian Amoen, advised the beneficiaries to use the grants to grow their businesses and generate profits rather than spending the money on material possessions.
Amoen encouraged the women to cultivate the habit of saving, particularly for their children’s education, describing education as the best form of retirement benefit.
“When you invest in your children, you won’t suffer in old age. Don’t chase material things or engage in wasteful ventures. Ensure you don’t eat up your seed; invest it in your business,” she said.
The beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation at the end of the programme, commended the Office of the Edo State First Lady for the empowerment initiative, saying the grants would help improve their businesses and livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries from Egor Local Government Area, Mrs Philomena Olonton, thanked the First Lady for empowering women with cash and food items, saying the grant would significantly support the growth of her provision business.
In the same vein, Mrs Tina Ehigiator, a beneficiary from Ovia North East Local Government Area, expressed appreciation for the empowerment initiative, saying she would invest the grant in her farming business to expand her operations.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Gift Osaretin from Ovia South West Local Government Area, also commended the initiative, expressing gratitude for the support and praying for continued good health, strength and protection for the First Lady.
