The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady, has commenced a three-day mini trade fair as part of activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The event, which began at the Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road in Benin City, is designed to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their products and services.
Declaring the fair open, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Director-General of the Edo State Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability (DEQA), Dr. Amen Ogbemudia, described the initiative as an innovative platform aimed at uniting and empowering women across the state.
She noted that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to inclusiveness and the economic advancement of women.
According to her, the fair accommodates women from all walks of life, including market women, professionals, and artisans, stressing that every woman, regardless of background, has a vital role to play in society.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, described the mini trade fair as more than a marketplace but a vibrant display of the creativity, resilience, and economic strength of women in Edo State.
She said empowering women goes beyond supporting individuals, noting that it strengthens families and drives community development.
Abdallah explained that the three-day event provides an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and expand their economic opportunities.
“This three-day event is our ministry’s way of acknowledging the hard work of women and providing a platform for them to scale up their businesses. To our exhibitors, your products represent the innovation needed to drive our economy forward. I encourage visitors to support these businesses by shopping intentionally,” she said.
She added that the fair also promotes unity and collaboration among women while goods and services are offered at subsidized rates to enable residents purchase quality products at affordable prices.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the tour of exhibition stands by the representative of the First Lady’s office and the commissioner, alongside other dignitaries.
They interacted with vendors, commended the quality of products on display, and purchased items to support the exhibitors.