The Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, has been honoured with the Distinguished Local Government Leader Award at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Edo State.
The event, organised by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City. It brought together women leaders, government officials and stakeholders from different sectors to commemorate the global celebration themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.”
Hon. Iduseri was honoured alongside other distinguished personalities in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to grassroots development, and dedication to the welfare and progress of residents of Oredo Local Government Area.
The award also recognised the council chairman’s exemplary service to humanity and his efforts in promoting inclusive governance within the local government.
Other notable awardees at the event included the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu; the Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson; and the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Wave Nigeria, Mr. Peter Dunia, among others.
In his remarks, Hon. Iduseri expressed appreciation to the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, and the organisers of the event led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, for the honour.
He dedicated the award to resilient women in Oredo Local Government Area and across the world, noting that the recognition would further inspire the council to intensify efforts towards development, inclusiveness and empowerment.
Responding to questions on women’s participation in his administration, Iduseri stated that women occupy a significant percentage of positions in his government, demonstrating his commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from several dignitaries, including the former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and member representing Esan North-East Constituency, Hon. Maria Edeko.