By Gloria Osemudiame
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment by equipping market women with digital skills and facilitating free business registration to strengthen small businesses and expand economic opportunities across the state.
The initiative formed part of a 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. The programme was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City and attracted market women from across Edo State, alongside representatives of government ministries, agencies and the private sector.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, announced the donation of nine free business registration slots for selected market women as part of efforts to encourage business formalisation and improve access to economic opportunities. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bisi Idaomi, pledged an additional 10 free business registration slots on behalf of her ministry. She disclosed that the beneficiaries would be selected by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets.
The Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, who was represented by Mr. George Iyoha, reiterated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive economy. He encouraged participants to embrace digital literacy, online marketing, electronic payment systems and other digital tools to improve productivity, expand their customer base and enhance business competitiveness.
The programme received further support from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which offered free business registration to an additional 30 market women. The intervention is expected to encourage business formalisation and position beneficiaries to access government support programmes, financial services and private sector opportunities available to registered enterprises.
Participants also received practical training on digital innovation, business development, financial inclusion and other strategies aimed at strengthening small businesses and ensuring long-term sustainability in the digital economy.
Some of the market women who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising the welfare and economic empowerment of traders across the state. They commended the administration for implementing initiatives that support women-owned businesses, improve livelihoods and create more opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
The sensitisation programme aligns with the SHINE Agenda of the Okpebholo administration, particularly its focus on economic empowerment, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship development and sustainable growth across Edo State.
