By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with GIZ and IOM, has launched a three-day capacity-building training for vulnerable women in the state.
The training,taking place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), focusing on Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Digital Marketing, aims to equip women with practical entrepreneurial and digital skills to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs. Betty Okonobo,emphasized the importance of empowering women economically, saying it strengthens families and communities.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, described the training as a strategic step towards strengthening women’s economic empowerment in Edo State .
The training is part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, with the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” Participants will gain vocational and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and personal development knowledge.
Mrs Abdallah stated that empowering vulnerable women with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge remains a priority for the state government, stressing that the Ministry remains committed to creating platforms that promote empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development for women across the state.
“This training programme is a practical demonstration of our commitment as a government to empower vulnerable women with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. When women are empowered economically and socially, they become stronger agents of change, driving development and stability in society.”
The Commissioner explained that participants would be exposed to valuable training sessions designed to enhance their capacity in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and personal development.
.
”As we officially declare this training program open, it is my hope that the outcomes will contribute significantly to the realization of a society where women are empowered, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive”, she said.
During the session, representatives from Genius Hub, Adesua Amadi-Emma and Destined Omo delivered presentations on E-commerce marketing, educating participants on how to use digital platforms to promote their products and services. They highlighted practical ways entrepreneurs can increase visibility, attract customers, and expand their businesses by taking advantage of opportunities in the digital marketplace.
Representatives from the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) and the Migrant Resource Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour Employment also facilitated sessions during the training, focusing on key areas such as developing an entrepreneurial mindset, business planning essentials, business registration and licensing processes, as well as strategies for understanding and effectively managing customers. The sessions were designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and guidance needed to successfully start, formalize, and sustain their businesses.
