Kingsley Ohens reporting 

BENIN CITY — More than 300 women across Edo State have benefited from a micro-business empowerment programme initiated through the Office of the Edo State Governor’s Wife, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo, as part of efforts to strengthen household incomes, promote women’s economic independence and foster inclusive prosperity across communities.

The empowerment programme, themed “Micro Business Empowerment: Empowering Women, Strengthening Families, Building a Prosperous Edo,” was held on Monday in Benin City, where beneficiaries drawn particularly from Edo Central and Edo North received grants to support and expand their businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State Governor’s Wife, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo, said empowering women with targeted financial support remained a strategic pathway to strengthening families and improving the economic wellbeing of communities.

She explained that the initiative was designed to provide women with the resources needed to strengthen their existing businesses, improve productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities for themselves and their families.

According to her, the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare through economic empowerment, inclusive development and practical interventions that promote self-reliance and productivity.

Mrs. Okpebholo noted that women across the state were actively engaged in various forms of enterprise, including trading, agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, petty businesses, crafts and other small-scale ventures.

She, however, observed that many of these businesses required relatively modest financial injections to improve their operations, increase stock, acquire equipment and reach more customers.

She therefore urged the beneficiaries to see the grants as seed capital rather than disposable income, advising them to invest the funds wisely in their businesses and ensure that the support translates into sustainable economic growth.

The Coordinator further encouraged the women to maintain proper financial records, separate business capital from personal expenses, reinvest profits and continuously acquire new skills and knowledge to improve the quality and profitability of their enterprises.

Beyond economic empowerment, Mrs. Okpebholo stressed the importance of prioritising personal health, urging the beneficiaries to make time for adequate rest after their daily activities and undergo regular medical check-ups.

She said the women must remain healthy and alive to continue supporting their families and contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities.

Also speaking, the Zonal Head of Business (ZHOB), South-South 1 Zone, LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd., Mrs. Vivian Amoen, advised the beneficiaries to deploy the grants strictly for productive ventures capable of generating sustainable income.

Amoen cautioned the women against diverting the funds to material possessions or other short-lived ventures, stressing the importance of investing in businesses that would yield long-term benefits.

She also encouraged them to cultivate a consistent savings culture, particularly towards the education of their children.

“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 expressed appreciation to the Office of the Edo State Governor’s Wife for the intervention, describing the grants as timely support that would help improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Mrs. Philomena Olonton, a beneficiary from Egor Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the empowerment, noting that the financial support, alongside the food items provided, would significantly strengthen her provision business.

Similarly, Mrs. Tina Ehigiator from Ovia North-East Local Government Area said she would invest the grant in her farming business, describing the initiative as an important boost to her economic activities.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Gift Osaretin from Ovia South-West Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the gesture and prayed for continued good health and wellbeing for the benefactor.

The empowerment initiative underscores the growing emphasis on women-centred economic interventions as a tool for strengthening families, supporting grassroots businesses and building more resilient communities across Edo State.