On October 11, 2026, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, released a message to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, highlighting his administration's dedication to promoting the welfare, safety, and economic independence of women and girls in Edo State. Okpebholo emphasized that investing in the girl child is central to his administration's development agenda. He stressed that girls must have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
According to Okpebholo, his administration will continue to implement programmes that promote the welfare, safety, and economic independence of women and girls. He noted that a girl who is in school, healthy, and safe today will lead a family, a business, or an institution tomorrow. The governor treats the girl child as a development issue, not a ceremonial one. His administration aims to give more women the skills and opportunities needed to participate in different sectors of the economy.
As part of this commitment, 50 women recently graduated from a training programme in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversion. This initiative, described by the governor as the first specifically designed to train female mechanics, demonstrates Okpebholo's efforts to open up non-traditional career opportunities for women. The governor plans to sustain these efforts and introduce new empowerment programmes quarterly, including commercial tricycle riding, popularly known as Keke NAPEP.
On the protection and welfare of girls, Okpebholo highlighted initiatives under the Office of the First Lady, including the Pad a Girl programme and the SHINE Agenda. He also mentioned the state's Violence Against Persons laws, which aim to safeguard girls and women. Furthermore, the governor's administration is committed to reducing risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth by improving access to maternal healthcare across Edo State.
To improve maternal healthcare, the administration has engaged skilled birth attendants in primary healthcare centres across the state. The Edo State Health Insurance Scheme has supported more than 674 childbirths. Additionally, the Edo Specialist Hospital received full accreditation for obstetrics and gynaecology residency training in July 2026. The state also launched Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week in June.
Despite these efforts, Okpebholo acknowledged that more needs to be done to keep girls in school and protect them from abuse. He called for stronger collaboration between government, families, and community leaders to ensure the girl child's safety and well-being. The governor urged parents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to work with his administration, emphasizing that no government can protect the girl child alone.
Okpebholo concluded by wishing women and girls across Edo State a happy International Day of the Girl Child. He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to promote their safety, dignity, and access to opportunities. The governor's commitment to empowering women and protecting the girl child is evident in his administration's various initiatives and programmes aimed at promoting their welfare and economic independence.
Key points
- Okpebholo's administration has initiated programmes to empower women and girls, including education, healthcare, and skills acquisition.
- The governor's administration has launched initiatives to protect girls, including the Pad a Girl programme and the SHINE Agenda.
- Okpebholo has called for collaboration between government, families, and community leaders to ensure the girl child's safety and well-being.
