The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment by equipping market women with digital skills and facilitating free business registration to support sustainable enterprise growth and expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the State.
The empowerment initiative was part of the sensitisation programme organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment, which held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City. The event attracted market women from across the State, alongside representatives of government ministries, agencies and the private sector.
While announced the donation of nine free business registration slots to selected market women to encourage business formalisation and improve access to economic opportunities, the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs).
On behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Commissioner, Hon. Bisi Idaomi, pledged 10 additional free business registration slots for market women. She stated that the beneficiaries will be selected by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets.
The Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, represented by Mr. George Iyoha, reiterated the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive economy. Participants were encouraged to embrace digital technologies to improve business operations through digital literacy, online marketing, electronic payment systems and other digital tools that enhance productivity, expand market reach and improve competitiveness.
A further boost to the programme by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a key partner in the initiative, was the offer of free business registration to an additional 30 market women. The gesture is aimed at encouraging business formalisation to enable beneficiaries access government interventions, financial services and private sector opportunities available to registered businesses.
Participants received practical training from officials of the collaborating ministries and agencies on digital innovation, business development, financial inclusion and other strategies designed to strengthen enterprises and improve business sustainability in contemporary digital economy.
Some of the market women who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment to improving the welfare and economic prosperity of traders across Edo State. They commended the administration for implementing initiatives that support women-owned businesses, improve livelihoods and create greater economic opportunities.
The sensitisation programme aligns with the SHINE Agenda of the Sen. Okpebholo-led administration, particularly its focus on economic empowerment, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship development and sustainable economic growth across Edo State.
