Investing in People, Securing the Future: Edo Central Women and Youths Gain Skills Through Senator Igiagbe’s Initiative

Investing in People, Securing the Future: Edo Central Women and Youths Gain Skills Through Senator Igiagbe’s Initiative

Urbanscoopnews reporting

In a decisive move to translate democratic representation into tangible socio-economic impact, Senator (Dr.) Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe has launched a far-reaching women and youth empowerment programme across Edo Central Senatorial District, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive development and human capital advancement.

On January 6, 2026, the Senator, in strategic partnership with the Federal Co-operative College, Orji-River, successfully implemented the maiden edition of the training and empowerment initiative. The programme was simultaneously conducted in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, marking a significant milestone in grassroots development within the district.

Designed to ensure equity and inclusiveness, the initiative is being extended to other parts of Edo Central, with similar programmes scheduled to take place in Uromi (Esan North East LGA), Igueben (Igueben LGA), and Ubiaja (Esan South East LGA). This deliberate district-wide rollout reflects a clear resolve to ensure that no community is excluded from the benefits of democratic governance.

The programme, themed “Empowering Women and Youths with Vocational Skills,” focuses on equipping participants with practical, market-driven skills aimed at promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. By prioritizing skills acquisition over short-term interventions, the initiative aligns with globally accepted development strategies that emphasize empowerment as a pathway to long-term economic stability.

A total of 250 beneficiaries were selected for the maiden edition, with 50 participants drawn from each of the five local government areas that constitute Edo Central Senatorial District. Beneficiaries are undergoing structured training alongside empowerment support intended to help them translate newly acquired skills into viable income-generating ventures, thereby improving household welfare and community resilience.

The programme has been widely acknowledged as a strong statement of purposeful leadership, coming less than four months into Senator Igiagbe’s tenure in the Senate. It underscores an early focus on delivering the dividends of democracy through people-centered policies, skills development, and human capacity building.

Beyond its immediate impact, the empowerment initiative forms part of a broader and sustainable development agenda for Edo Central. According to stakeholders, additional programmes targeting education, economic empowerment, and social development are already in the pipeline, signaling continuity and a results-oriented approach to representation.

Senator (Dr.) Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe has consistently maintained that empowering women and youths is fundamental to building strong communities and a prosperous future. By investing in people today, he believes, Edo Central is laying a solid foundation for economic growth, social stability, and shared progress for generations to come.