IWD: Ighodalo wants more support for women in education, entrepreneurship

Benin, March 9, 2024

As the world marks this year’s International Women’s Day(IWD), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP flagbearer for the Sept. 21 Edo governorship race, has applauded the “unbreakable spirit of the Edo Woman in the face of crushing economic hardships”.

Ighodalo, in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin, described the Edo woman as “marvellous”.

“I marvel at the bravery, determination and can-do attitude of the Edo women as they work to build businesses, secure education and support their homes in spite of rising inflation and economic uncertainty,” he said.

The theme of this year’s IWD celebration is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’

“This year’s IWD theme – invest in women to accelerate progress – is an incontestable statement of fact.

“I have enjoyed personal and professional success from investments I have made in women; back home in Ewohimi, the scholarships we have provided to girls and the financial grants we have given to female entrepreneurs have been transformational for them and for our community.

“My belief in the transformational power of women on a wider level is why we visited markets, small female-owned businesses and the students at the School of Nursing in Benin. We want to listen to our women and encourage them.

“We cannot make any meaningful progress as a society if we do not empower our women with knowledge and with resources.

“So, I call on leaders in the public and private sectors to bring more women to the table. We need to back our words with real action in the form of increased financial support and access to opportunities for female students and business owners,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Ighodalo’s week-long Women in Entrepreneurship Tour included stops at Oba market, a visit with the Chairman of Egor Local Government, Mr Eghe Ogbemudia, to a dump evacuation site and Orhue Beauty Saloon.

It also took him to EJ  Culinary School and the popular Mama Ebo Pepper Rice fast-food outlet.

He also stopped at the Edo State Library Complex to support Osariemen Asein’s record-breaking Guinness World Record reading attempt, and concluded his tour with a visit to the School of Nursing in Benin.

Some of the women, who participated in the celebration of IWD, commended the governorship candidate for creating time to celebrate the Nigerian woman.