Edo
By. Daisy Osunde
The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has marked her first year in office with a record of impactful interventions, institutional reforms and compassionate services aimed at improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable persons across the state.
Operating under the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Abdallah has led the Ministry through a period of renewed action in women’s economic empowerment, child protection, social welfare, mental-health rehabilitation and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Since assuming office, the Commissioner has demonstrated a strong commitment to translating government policies into practical interventions that directly affect the people. Her approach has combined compassion with diligence, as she has consistently prioritised the welfare, dignity and protection of vulnerable residents across Edo State.
One of the major milestones recorded during the period was the successful hosting of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin City. The event brought together stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on critical issues affecting women, children and vulnerable groups, further positioning Edo State as a leading voice in social development and inclusive governance.
In the fight against gender-based violence, Abdallah strengthened survivor-centred services through the commissioning and operation of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Uromi. The centre provides medical, psychosocial, legal and other support services to survivors, while efforts are ongoing towards establishing another centre in Auchi to expand access to care across the state.
Recognising the changing nature of abuse in the digital age, the Ministry also developed and validated a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy Framework. The initiative is designed to address emerging forms of online abuse, harassment, exploitation and other technology-related threats affecting women and girls.
In the area of women’s economic empowerment, 171 women drawn from the three senatorial districts received business and digital-marketing training, followed by grants of ₦100,000 each to support and expand their businesses. The Ministry also organised a three-day Women’s Mini Trade Fair, creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, access new markets, build networks and strengthen their businesses.
Abdallah’s commitment to child protection has also produced significant reforms. The Ministry introduced digital child-welfare case management through the Children First Software, improving the documentation, monitoring and coordination of cases involving children in need of care and protection.
The Edo State Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was equally reviewed and validated to address emerging threats, including online exploitation, social-media risks, artificial intelligence, institutional abuse and other dangers confronting children in today’s society.
As part of efforts to protect children from abuse and exploitation, the Ministry intensified monitoring of children’s homes across the state. This led to the closure of an allegedly illegal children’s home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, over suspected irregular adoption practices. The operator was subsequently handed over to law-enforcement authorities for further investigation.
The Commissioner’s social-protection mandate has also translated into direct interventions for vulnerable persons. One notable example was the rescue, treatment and reunification of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a Nigerian deportee found wandering in Benin City. The Ministry also facilitated the rehabilitation of other vulnerable persons and successfully reunited them with their families.
Under Abdallah’s leadership, the Ministry commenced a structured mental-health rescue and rehabilitation programme that goes beyond street evacuation. The programme includes medical and psychiatric assessment, treatment, shelter, psychosocial support, family tracing and reintegration, reflecting the Commissioner’s belief that vulnerable persons must be treated with dignity, care and compassion.
The Ministry further supported vocational training and reintegration, with 80 beneficiaries completing skills-acquisition programmes and receiving certificates and start-up support to enable them to return to productive livelihoods. The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader effort to reduce vulnerability, promote self-reliance and restore hope among beneficiaries.
Beyond these programmes, Abdallah has earned recognition for her accessibility, empathy and hands-on approach to public service. Her regular engagement with women, children, families, civil-society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders has helped deepen public confidence in the Ministry.
Her first year in office has therefore been defined not only by policies and programmes, but also by a personal commitment to service. Through her compassion, hard work and determination, Abdallah has continued to respond to the needs of vulnerable residents, often intervening in difficult situations that require urgent attention and human understanding.
The Commissioner attributed the progress recorded by the Ministry to the support and policy direction of Governor Monday Okpebholo under the SHINE Agenda. She also acknowledged the collaboration of the Office of the First Lady, development partners, civil-society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, law-enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
As she marks one year in office, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah has reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the gains made and expanding the reach of the Ministry’s programmes. She assured that the Ministry would continue to protect children, empower women, support vulnerable persons, strengthen families and promote dignity, inclusion and social justice across Edo State.
Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD
Edo Women Affairs Commissioner Marks One Year in Office With Impactful Reforms
