First Lady’s Office Hosts Heifer International Delegation to Boost Women’s Empowerment, Economic Growth

At Government House in Benin City, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, hosted representatives from Heifer International in a high-level engagement aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment and advancing community development initiatives.

In her remarks, Mrs. Anani asserted that “women are more resilient and meticulous in all their endeavours,” emphasizing the importance of partnering with organizations that genuinely care for women’s welfare.

Highlighting the critical role of nutrition in overall health, Mrs. Anani stressed that proper diet is essential not only for women’s well-being but also for the healthy development of infants.

“When we talk about nutrition, it is vital because good balanced nutrition can lead to better health for women and prevent diseases later in life,” she explained. She also expressed strong confidence in the current administration, noting, “I assure you that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration is going to empower many people in Edo State.”

Mrs. Anani drew attention to the transformative progress seen in Rwanda following their revolution, where women have gained significant economic and social empowerment.

“In Rwanda, things are different after the revolution. The legislature now has more women than men, and women now own properties, houses, and cars. This shift in responsibility has cultivated a greater sense of purpose, leaving little room for gossip or idle argument,” she observed.

In response, Mrs. Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, Programme Coordinator for Heifer Nigeria, highlighted the global legacy of Heifer International, noting that while the organization has an eight-decade history worldwide, its operations in Nigeria are still evolving.

“We have a goal to take 6.5 million households out of poverty by 2030, and we cannot do it alone; we need to partner with the state government to push the project forward,” she stated.

Mrs. Ayevbuomwan elaborated on Heifer International’s practical initiatives, sharing that recent research on the commercial viability of their poultry product showed improved taste acceptance at fourteen and sixteen weeks, indicating strong market potential.

She further revealed that an optimal irrigation system is now in place to support local farmers, with training already underway for twenty-five member groups across Edo State’s eighteen local government areas.

Empowering women to hold leadership roles and support one another in order to build a sustainable and resilient ecosystem. “Heifer International is not just a programme—it is here to stay, committed to creating lasting positive change for the people of Edo State,” Mrs. Ayevbuomwan concluded.

The engagement at Government House marks a significant step in fostering strategic partnerships aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable development, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration between the state government and Heifer International.