From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has rolled out its maiden empowerment initiative, equipping 105 residents with skills and tools aimed at lifting vulnerable groups out of poverty and restoring dignity across the State.
The first phase of the programme which concluded on Wednesday at Udomi Primary School, Uwessan, in Esan Central, featured direct empowerment for 55 beneficiaries and skill acquisition training for another 50 participants, who received starter packs to begin small-scale enterprises.
Speaking after the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bisi Idaomi, said the initiative marks a decisive step by the young Ministry to tackle poverty at the grassroots. She thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing her as pioneer Commissioner, pledging to leave “a great mark” through sustained empowerment and support for the most vulnerable.
Still mourning the recent loss of her mother, Dr Idaomi said the work of the Ministry must continue.
“Even those with degrees need retraining,” she said. “Our people cannot wait endlessly for white-collar jobs. If you have a job that puts food on the table, nobody cares whether you are wearing a suit. What matters is feeding your family and reducing criminality.”
She explained that the Ministry chose to debut its activities in the governor’s community as a sign of accountability for the seed fund provided. Beneficiaries were trained in five skills—soap making, cosmetology, confectionery, spices production, and organic skin treatment—with plans to introduce tiling, mechanics, shoemaking and small-business management training in 2026.
“This empowerment will reach all 192 wards and the 18 local government areas,” she assured, adding that the Ministry is committed to taking interventions to the remotest parts of the State.
Representing the First Lady, Mrs Edessili Okpebholo Anani, Special Adviser on Health Dr Andrew Iyamu lauded the initiative, describing skill acquisition as a proven route out of poverty.
The Edo State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Ikhanoba Omokhape James, said the partnership with the new Ministry would help reduce poverty not only in Edo but across the country if sustained.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Efosa Aisien, noted that although the Ministry is barely a month old, it has “hit the ground running”, choosing to teach people to be self-reliant rather than depend on handouts. He confirmed that the empowerment drive will continue in other wards and local government areas in the coming weeks.
Beneficiaries trained in Auto Gele, confectionery, cosmetology, spice production and organic skin treatment expressed gratitude and pledged to use their newly acquired skills responsibly.
Other dignitaries present included Mrs Evbodaghe, Chairperson of Esan West, alongside staff and partner agencies who commended the Ministry’s fast-paced start.
The programme’s successful first outing signals the Okpebholo administration’s renewed focus on grassroots empowerment and the fight against poverty—one skill, and one community, at a time.
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