Over 300 women in Edo State have received micro-business grants from the Office of the Edo Governor’s Wife, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, to strengthen their businesses, improve family livelihoods and promote economic independence across the state.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State Government, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, disclosed this on Monday in Benin during an empowerment programme themed, “Micro Business Empowerment: Empowering Women, Strengthening Families, Building a Prosperous Edo.”
She said the programme was designed to support women with financial assistance to grow their businesses and create greater economic opportunities for families, particularly beneficiaries from Edo Central and Edo North.
According to her, the initiative reflects the commitment of the Edo State Government to improving citizens’ welfare through economic empowerment, inclusive development and direct support that promotes self-reliance and productivity.
Okpebholo noted that women across the state are engaged in trading, agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, petty businesses, crafts and other enterprises, but many require modest financial support to expand.
She urged the beneficiaries to regard the grants as seed capital and invest wisely by increasing stock, acquiring business tools, improving services and expanding their customer base.
She also advised them to keep proper business records, separate business capital from personal expenses, reinvest profits and continuously acquire knowledge to improve their enterprises.
Okpebholo further encouraged the beneficiaries to prioritise their health by getting adequate rest and going for regular medical check-ups, stressing that they needed to remain healthy for their families.
The Zonal Head of Business, South-South 1 Zone, LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd., Mrs Vivian Amoen, advised the women to use the grants to generate profits rather than spending them on material things.
She also encouraged them to cultivate the habit of saving for their children’s education, stressing that investing in education would provide lasting benefits.
Some beneficiaries commended the Office of the Governor’s Wife for the empowerment, saying the grants would go a long way in improving their businesses.
Mrs Philomena Olonton from Egor said the grant would help improve her provision business, while Mrs Tina Ehigiator from Ovia North-East said she would invest hers in farming.
Mrs Gift Osaretin from Ovia South-West also expressed gratitude for the support and prayed for continued good health for the benefactor.
