Edo
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women empowerment, education, and sustainable development through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations, as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development pledged to collaborate with the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation in expanding empowerment programmes across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the Foundation’s 2026 Cromwell and Lilian Foundation Empowerment Outreach held in Benin City.
The Commissioner commended the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie, for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable members of society through educational support, business start-ups, and other life-changing interventions.
She noted that the Ministry shares the Foundation’s vision of empowering women, supporting academic pursuits, and creating opportunities that improve the socio-economic well-being of citizens.
”This initiative reflects the power of compassion, opportunity and investment in our people,” Hon. Abdallah said, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support received, remain committed to their goals, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
She further pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with the Foundation in future programmes aimed at promoting empowerment, education and sustainable development, noting that such initiatives align with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, described Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie as “a woman of many parts” whose philanthropic contributions have positively transformed many lives. He encouraged beneficiaries to reciprocate the kindness shown to them by extending similar support to others whenever they are in a position to do so.
In his remarks, renowned legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Olayiwola Afolabi, said he had closely followed the Foundation’s impactful humanitarian activities over the years. Impressed by its consistency and transparency, he pledged an annual donation of ₦500,000 to support the Foundation’s programmes and sustain its empowerment initiatives.
The event also featured a financial literacy lecture titled “Little Money Can Make a Big Difference,” delivered by management consultant, financial literacy advocate, entrepreneurship development expert, and women development specialist, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Bello Abu.
She described financial literacy as the ability to manage money wisely through prudent spending, regular savings, and creating additional sources of income. Dr. Abu encouraged beneficiaries to adopt the simple acronym S.A.M.—Save, Avoid Waste, and Make More—as a practical guide to financial discipline.
”It is not how much money you have that matters, but how well you use it,” she advised.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Founder of the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie, said the Foundation was established to preserve and continue the enduring legacy of her parents, whose lives were characterised by compassion, generosity, and selfless service to humanity.
”Our greatest legacy is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch, the hope we restore, and the opportunities we create for others,” she said.
Mrs. Ibie explained that the Foundation’s educational scholarship scheme is designed to ensure that financial hardship does not deprive promising young people of access to quality education. She added that the Foundation also provides business start-up support, vocational training, and economic empowerment initiatives for women, widows, single mothers, and other vulnerable persons to promote financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
She announced that the empowerment programme would become an annual event and disclosed that subsequent editions would be implemented in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Under the partnership, the Ministry will identify deserving beneficiaries, while the Foundation will provide the financial resources required for the interventions.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of educational scholarships to three students, cash grants, a grinding machine, and a weaving machine to beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses and improve their means of livelihood.
Some past and current beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation, describing the intervention as life-changing and pledging to maximise the opportunities provided to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The event attracted government officials, legal practitioners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, who commended the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation for its unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable persons and promoting sustainable community development in Edo State.*Edo Government Partners Agapé4All Foundation to Expand Empowerment Opportunities for Women, Students and Vulnerable Persons*
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women empowerment, education, and sustainable development through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations, as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development pledged to collaborate with the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation in expanding empowerment programmes across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the Foundation’s 2026 Cromwell and Lilian Foundation Empowerment Outreach held in Benin City.
The Commissioner commended the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie, for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable members of society through educational support, business start-ups, and other life-changing interventions.
She noted that the Ministry shares the Foundation’s vision of empowering women, supporting academic pursuits, and creating opportunities that improve the socio-economic well-being of citizens.
”This initiative reflects the power of compassion, opportunity and investment in our people,” Hon. Abdallah said, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support received, remain committed to their goals, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
She further pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with the Foundation in future programmes aimed at promoting empowerment, education and sustainable development, noting that such initiatives align with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, described Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie as “a woman of many parts” whose philanthropic contributions have positively transformed many lives. He encouraged beneficiaries to reciprocate the kindness shown to them by extending similar support to others whenever they are in a position to do so.
In his remarks, renowned legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Olayiwola Afolabi, said he had closely followed the Foundation’s impactful humanitarian activities over the years. Impressed by its consistency and transparency, he pledged an annual donation of ₦500,000 to support the Foundation’s programmes and sustain its empowerment initiatives.
The event also featured a financial literacy lecture titled “Little Money Can Make a Big Difference,” delivered by management consultant, financial literacy advocate, entrepreneurship development expert, and women development specialist, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Bello Abu.
She described financial literacy as the ability to manage money wisely through prudent spending, regular savings, and creating additional sources of income. Dr. Abu encouraged beneficiaries to adopt the simple acronym S.A.M.—Save, Avoid Waste, and Make More—as a practical guide to financial discipline.
”It is not how much money you have that matters, but how well you use it,” she advised.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Founder of the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation, Mrs. Carmen Uwaila Ibie, said the Foundation was established to preserve and continue the enduring legacy of her parents, whose lives were characterised by compassion, generosity, and selfless service to humanity.
”Our greatest legacy is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch, the hope we restore, and the opportunities we create for others,” she said.
Mrs. Ibie explained that the Foundation’s educational scholarship scheme is designed to ensure that financial hardship does not deprive promising young people of access to quality education. She added that the Foundation also provides business start-up support, vocational training, and economic empowerment initiatives for women, widows, single mothers, and other vulnerable persons to promote financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
She announced that the empowerment programme would become an annual event and disclosed that subsequent editions would be implemented in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Under the partnership, the Ministry will identify deserving beneficiaries, while the Foundation will provide the financial resources required for the interventions.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of educational scholarships to three students, cash grants, a grinding machine, and a weaving machine to beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses and improve their means of livelihood.
Some past and current beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation, describing the intervention as life-changing and pledging to maximise the opportunities provided to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The event attracted government officials, legal practitioners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, who commended the Agapé4All: Cromwell and Lilian Ibie Foundation for its unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable persons and promoting sustainable community development in Edo State.
