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Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Ground Floor Block C, Secretariat Building, Sapele Road, Benin City, Bénin (2026)

13/07/2026

Edo Women Affairs Ministry Appeals to the Public for Help to Reunite Two-Year-Old Girl with Family

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has appealed to members of the public to assist in identifying the family of a two-year-old girl who was found abandoned at Ramat Park in Benin City.

The child, identified as Treasure, is about two years old and of dark complexion. She was found on Thursday by a kind hearted Nigerian, who promptly reported the incident to the Ikpoba Hill Police Station. In line with established procedures, the matter was referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State C.I.D.), where preliminary investigations were conducted before the child was officially handed over to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The child is currently under the care of the Ministry, where she is receiving appropriate care and protection in a safe environment as efforts continue to locate her parents, guardians, or relatives.

The Ministry has appealed to the public to share the information as widely as possible, emphasizing that every child deserves the love, protection, and security of a family. It expressed hope that public support and timely information would lead to the child's swift reunion with her loved ones.

Anyone who recognizes the child or has useful information about her identity or family is encouraged to visit the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ground Floor, Block C, State Secretariat Complex, Benin City.

10/07/2026

Hon. Eugenia Abdallah Mourns Passing of Archbishop Augustine Akubueze

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner said the late Archbishop lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, compassion and selfless service to God and humanity. She noted that throughout his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Akubueze remained a beacon of hope, a courageous advocate for justice, peace and good governance, and a devoted shepherd whose unwavering commitment to the Gospel positively impacted countless lives.

Hon. Abdallah, who is a Catholic, said she received the news of the Archbishop's passing with a heavy heart, describing him as not only a spiritual father but also a leader whose wisdom, exemplary leadership and pastoral care inspired many faithful to deepen their relationship with God and remain steadfast in service to humanity.

According to her, the late Archbishop's life was a testament to sacrificial love, integrity and unwavering devotion to God's mission.

The Commissioner further stated that Archbishop Akubueze's commitment to protecting the dignity of every human person, particularly women, children and other vulnerable members of society, as well as his advocacy for strong family values, aligns closely with the mandate of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

She extended her heartfelt condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, the immediate family of the late Archbishop and all those grieving his demise.

Hon. Abdallah prayed that Almighty God, whom Archbishop Akubueze served faithfully throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, would grant him eternal rest and comfort the Church during this period of mourning.

While acknowledging the pain of his passing, she expressed hope in Christ's promise of eternal life and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Archbishop and all the faithful departed.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

09/07/2026

EDO MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS, UBTH COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES, LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP ON COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the College of Nursing Sciences, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom, to strengthen mental healthcare delivery through Community Mental Health Nursing.

The commitment was made when the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, UBTH, Mrs. Abieyuwa Eweka, led a delegation of senior lecturers from Leeds Beckett University, UK, on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, in Benin City.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Eweka said the delegation was at the ministry to explore areas of collaboration aimed at addressing mental health challenges through Community Mental Health Nursing. She explained that while nursing education in Nigeria currently offers Public Health Nursing and Mental Health Nursing as separate specialties, there is no dedicated programme in Community Mental Health Nursing.

According to her, equipping nurses with community-based mental healthcare skills would bridge existing gaps in service delivery, ensure patients receive holistic care within their communities, and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Also speaking, Dr. Chinyere Ihejieto, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Leeds Beckett University, said although the visiting team was in Nigeria on a different assignment, discussions with the UBTH Provost highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to community mental healthcare.

She proposed the establishment of a pilot team comprising ten nurses—five Public Health Nurses and five Mental Health Nurses—to pioneer the initiative. Dr. Ihejieto assured the ministry of the university's commitment to provide technical support by developing operational guidelines, sharing best practices, and introducing frameworks currently used in the United Kingdom to strengthen Community Mental Health Nursing.

She noted that the approach seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by shifting care from institutional settings to community and home-based support systems, allowing individuals living with mental health conditions to receive care within familiar environments.

Senior Lecturers from Leeds Beckett University, Caroline Key and Louisa Morley, further emphasized that Community Mental Health Nursing goes beyond treatment and management of mental illness. According to them, the model focuses on prevention, early intervention, identifying the root causes of mental health challenges, and promoting sustainable community wellbeing. They added that, as academics, they are committed to making meaningful global impact by sharing knowledge, research, and practical experiences.

Responding after extensive deliberations, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, welcomed the proposed partnership, describing it as a timely initiative that aligns with the ministry's commitment to improving mental health services in Edo State.

She appreciated the visiting team for their willingness to share their expertise and wealth of experience in Community Mental Health Nursing, noting that the ministry has continued to implement interventions aimed at supporting persons living with mental health conditions.

Hon. Abdallah explained that the ministry operates an established intervention framework through which mentally challenged persons are identified, counselled, and referred to appropriate treatment facilities where necessary. She added that beneficiaries also receive psychosocial support, orientation, and, upon full recovery and certification by medical professionals, are successfully reintegrated into society. Where applicable, they are further empowered through skills acquisition programmes to promote self-reliance.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the ministry's openness to capacity-building initiatives and professional training that would strengthen mental healthcare services in the state.

She stressed that the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains deeply committed to safeguarding the health, dignity, and overall wellbeing of every resident.

The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism that the proposed collaboration would pave the way for improved community-based mental healthcare, enhanced professional capacity, and better outcomes for individuals living with mental health conditions across Edo State.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

08/07/2026

Edo Women Affairs Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to HPV Vaccination Advocacy

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at increasing the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among eligible girls across the state.

This commitment was reiterated when the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Youth Initiative for Enhancing Long-term Delivery of HPV Vaccination (YIELD) Project Team, paid a follow-up advocacy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, to review progress made since the initial engagement and strengthen collaboration on HPV vaccination advocacy.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Abdallah highlighted the Ministry's mandate of promoting the welfare and protection of women, girls, older persons and persons with disabilities, noting that its expanded responsibilities now also include boys.

She emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to supporting public health initiatives through advocacy, awareness creation and strategic partnerships that improve access to healthcare services.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction that the Ministry had fulfilled one of its earlier commitments by facilitating the inclusion of the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS) in the HPV vaccination awareness platform. She noted that the collaboration would help dispel misconceptions about the vaccine while strengthening community awareness and demand generation through the Council's extensive grassroots network.

Discussions also explored additional areas of collaboration, including the Ministry's active participation in awareness campaigns and its role in linking vulnerable groups, such as orphanages and homes for persons with disabilities, to HPV vaccination services during outreach programmes.

The Ministry also indicated its readiness to designate a vaccine champion and focal person to strengthen coordination with the health sector and support Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) activities.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in promoting community awareness, strengthening advocacy and improving HPV vaccine uptake among eligible girls in Edo State as part of efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

07/07/2026

Family of Rescued Deportee Commends Edo Government, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for Timely Intervention

The family of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old deportee from the United States of America who was recently found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City in a state of severe mental distress, has expressed profound appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, for the swift intervention that saved his life.

Mr. Guobadia was rescued by officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development following the directive of the Commissioner and was immediately admitted to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where he has been receiving treatment.

Speaking during a visit to the Commissioner, the victim's maternal uncle, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe, said the family had searched tirelessly for Peter after learning that he had been deported to Nigeria, but all efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful until they saw media reports about his rescue by the ministry.

According to him, Peter was initially unable to recognize him due to his mental condition, having left Nigeria at a very young age. However, after careful interaction and questioning, he was able to mention the names of some family members, including his uncle, thereby confirming his identity.

The biological mother of the rescued deportee, Mrs. Efe Osunde, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for her compassion, prompt response, and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons. She also appreciated the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for providing purposeful leadership and creating an enabling environment that allows the ministry to effectively discharge its humanitarian responsibilities.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Mrs. Osunde offered prayers for God to continually bless the Governor, the Commissioner, and every official involved in ensuring her son received timely medical attention and care.

Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, reiterated that protecting vulnerable persons remains a core mandate of the ministry. She explained that immediately she received reports of Mr. Guobadia's condition, she directed the Rehabilitation Services Department to rescue him and ensure that he received urgent medical attention.

Hon. Abdallah disclosed that the ministry took full responsibility for Mr. Guobadia's medical expenses and expressed satisfaction with reports indicating that he is responding positively to treatment.

The Commissioner emphasized that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remains committed to promoting the welfare, dignity, and protection of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups who require government support and intervention.

She also commended the dedication and professionalism of officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department, Mrs. Esther Eruanga and Mr. Ewere Friday Samuel whose prompt and compassionate handling of the case contributed significantly to the successful rescue and ongoing recovery of Mr. Guobadia.

The visit by the family underscores growing public confidence in the Edo State Government's commitment to social welfare and responsive governance, as demonstrated through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development's timely intervention in restoring hope to a distressed citizen and reuniting him with his family.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

04/07/2026

Empowering women is not just about creating opportunities; it is about transforming families, strengthening communities, and building a more prosperous Edo State. Together, let us continue to support every woman and girl to reach her full potential and contribute meaningfully to our collective development.

Hon. Eugenia Abdallah
Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State.

03/07/2026

Edo Women Affairs Ministry Rescues Mentally Distressed Deportee, Secures Urgent Medical Care and Family Reunification

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has rescued and secured urgent medical treatment for Mr. Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old deportee from the United States, who was found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City in a state of severe mental distress.

Mr. Guobadia's condition was brought to public attention through a report by a Private Television outfit, prompting the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, to immediately direct the Ministry's Rehabilitation Services Department to intervene.

Acting on the Commissioner's directive, the Ministry took Mr. Guobadia into protective custody and facilitated his emergency admission to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Uselu, Benin City, for comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation.

According to the Senior Social Welfare Officer, Mrs. Esther Eruanga, clinical assessments conducted by specialists at the hospital revealed that Mr. Guobadia was battling multiple life-threatening health conditions alongside severe mental illness. He was diagnosed with chronic heart disease, severe diabetes with dangerously elevated blood sugar levels that resulted in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and severe hypertension.

He has since been placed on intensive medical management and psychiatric treatment to stabilize his condition and support his recovery.

In a significant breakthrough, the Ministry's intervention and the extensive media coverage of the case led to the successful tracing of Mr. Guobadia's family.

On July 2, 2026, his maternal uncle, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe, visited him at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital after learning of his whereabouts through the news reports.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Imarhiagbe expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and commended the prompt response, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, in ensuring that his nephew received urgent care.

The successful family tracing marks a major milestone in the Ministry's intervention, with efforts now focused on Mr. Guobadia's full medical recovery and eventual reintegration with his family once he is certified medically stable.

The intervention underscores the Edo State Government's commitment, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to protecting vulnerable persons, restoring hope, and promoting social inclusion across the state.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

02/07/2026

Edo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Skills Development as 80 Beneficiaries Graduate from GIZ-ZME Reintegration Support Programme

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women, youths and vulnerable persons through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and social reintegration.

The assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, in a goodwill message delivered on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, at the graduation ceremony of beneficiaries of the Reintegration Support Trainings facilitated through the partnership and intervention of GIZ-ZME Nigeria.

The Commissioner described the event as more than a graduation ceremony, saying it was "a celebration of resilience, empowerment, renewed hope and deliberate investment in human capacity development."

She noted that the successful training of beneficiaries in vocational and entrepreneurial skills represents a significant step towards building self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, stressing that the Edo State Government recognizes that one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development and reduce economic vulnerability is through deliberate investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and support for business start-ups.

Hon. Abdallah stated that equipping individuals with practical skills and providing them with the necessary start-up support promotes financial independence while contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction, job creation and community development.

She further emphasized that through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Edo State Government remains fully committed to supporting initiatives and strategic partnerships that empower women, youths and vulnerable individuals with opportunities for economic advancement and social reintegration.

According to the Commissioner, programmes such as the GIZ-ZME Reintegration Support Training align strongly with the government's broader commitment to strengthening social protection, improving livelihoods and ensuring that vulnerable members of society are equipped with the tools needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.

She commended GIZ-ZME Nigeria and all stakeholders whose collaborative efforts continue to create life-changing opportunities for individuals deserving of a second chance to become productive members of society.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, commended GIZ-ZME Nigeria for the initiative, noting that it would encourage beneficiaries to remain in Nigeria by providing them with sustainable means of livelihood instead of embarking on irregular migration in search of greener pastures.

He also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for his efforts in tackling insecurity across the state, noting that improved security has created a conducive environment for lives, businesses and investments to thrive.

He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired, citing the example of a successful food vendor who started with just one thousand naira and grew into a household name.

Earlier, the Programme Component Manager of GIZ-ZME Nigeria, Eseosa Okuku, disclosed that a total of 80 beneficiaries completed a 25-day vocational training programme in Hair Dressing and Wig Making, Curtain, Duvet and Bedspread Making, Pastries and Finger Food Production, and Hair Barbing.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and start-up packages to the beneficiaries to support them in establishing sustainable businesses.

After the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, accompanied by directors and staff of the Ministry, embarked on a guided tour of the facilities of Genius Hub Limited, where the beneficiaries received their training.

The Group Director of the organisation, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, conducted the tour, highlighting the organisation's focus on career development, creativity, technology, innovation and preparing individuals for the future of work.

Daisy Osunde
Director of Media
MWASD

01/07/2026

New month goodwill message

Dear Edolites,

It's with deep sense of love , joy, and a heart full of gratitude that I welcome you all to the month of July 2026.

Indeed, God has been faithful to us as a people for the past months and we can't trust him less to do even more in this new month of July 2026.

Let me use this medium to charge us to continue to engage, and to support the programmes and policies of the APC led administration in the state.

There's no doubt that the people's first governor, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo is fully determined and committed to deliver on his campaign promises which perhaps are very much evident in the very many significant achievements especially in the area of infrastructural development across the state under the S.H.I.N.E Agenda

Together, let us continue to build a prosperous and healthy Edo state that we shall all be proud of.

On behalf of the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, I wish you a month full of happiness, success, peace, prosperity, good health and wealth.

HAPPY NEW month.

E-sign:

Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State.

30/06/2026

‎ Edo Commissioner, Abdallah Balances Women Affairs and Social Development Mandates
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‎By DADA AYOKHAI
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‎The essence of appointing commissioners is basically to assist the governor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the state in ensuring the ease of administration and service delivery. The governor in the course of seeking votes may have made pledges and it, therefore, behoves them to help their principal fulfil the campaign promises made, especially as it concerns service delivery and good governance
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‎The appointment of commissioners was one of the immediate tasks executed by Gov Monday Okpebolo on assuming office. He headhunted those he felt could help him actualise his dream of making the state great, as aptly captured by the metaphor: "Edo is shining"
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‎‎One of the beneficiaries of the governor's extensive search for competent hands was Hon Eugenia Abdallah. ‎Her name was among those sent to the state assembly for screening and ratification.
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‎Interestingly, the list of Edo State commissioners can be broken down into two broad categories: single portfolio and double portfolio commissioners
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‎An example of a "single commissioner" is the Commissioner of Health, while that of a"double commissioner" is the Commissioner of Works and Housing or the Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning.
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‎This latter group, that is the "double portfolio commissioners oversee more than one Ministry. As the title implies, they shoulder the bulk of the work involved in service delivery and good governance and can easily get lost in the crowd.
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‎Whether a single or double portfolio commissioner, it is instructive to note that they are solely accountable to first, the governor who appointed them, and second, to the people when it comes to matters bordering on performance(s).
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‎The challenge with the "double portfolio" is that the assigned commissioner may easily forget his or her double role and lose track. For instance, a commissioner may concentrate on one Ministry and neglect the other.
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‎To throw more light on this postulation, a commissioner of Works and housing may, for instance, focus only on roads while neglecting the housing needs of the people.
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‎In the case of Hon Abdallah, she has proven to be an exception. The deft and zeal she has brought to bear on the discharge of her duties shows that she has mastered the rope and also proven that the wear and tear or, the lost in the crowd" theory associated with discharging a "double portfolio" does not apply to her.
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‎As one who understands the weight of public expectations, Hon Abdallah, the Edo State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development is doing a fantastic job, even with two powerful and sensitive portfolios under her watch.
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‎Most fascinating to observers is the speed with which she hit the ground running. Surprisingly, the speed has not made her falter. Instead, she continues to push on, acutely aware of the huge weight of public expectations on her shoulders.
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‎Observers have labelled the petite lady "a workaholic and performer" due to her consistency, innovative approach to tackling gender related issues as well as amiability in dealing with people.

‎Even some harsh critics of her Ministry activities have described her as a "working demon", in relation to the ease and speed she brings to bear on the job.
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‎According to others, her excellent performance is proof that "double portfolio" is not tantamount to "double punishment".

‎Another interesting trait about the commissioner is her professionalism which is evident in the way and manner she handles the affairs of the Ministry. But in so doing, Hon Abdallah infuses some element of humanity to make sure that the processes and policies get a buy-in from the people it was meant to serve.
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‎Hon Abdallah is a "brilliant mind". She possesses the Midas touch and that is why her Ministry is one of those seen by the Edo public as "working" as well as delivering on the governor's vision.
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‎It is no wonder that she is rated as one of the star performers in the Gov Okpebolo cabinet. Her public profile is also on the upward swing. Even her actions lend credence to the public adoration she continues to garner.

‎On a closer observation, it is important to stress that Hon Abdallah's affection for the people she is serving is legendary; it is evident in the well-thought out and life-impacting policies and programmes rolled out by her Ministry. It must, however, be added that these actions and policies break gender barriers - ensuring she can serve the public more broadly and dutifully, of course, without dancing or pandering to any particular gender.
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‎Hon Abdallah has so far distinguished herself. Doubters may not agree, but the records are there to show for anyone willing to take the pains to research. Indeed, her capacity to excel is second to none.
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‎Governor Okpebolo, indeed, hit the bullseye by appointing her for the job. ‎To her credit, she does not discriminate. She is ever ready to appeal to every sensibility and every gender.
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‎This was aptly demonstrated when her Ministry felicitated with the menfolk on Father's Day. Her Ministry was also prompt in releasing a statement to mark World Mental Health Day.
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‎In line with the popular saying that "a family's well-being starts at home", the statement released by her Ministry emphasised the crucial role fathers play, stressing that a happy father contributes to a happy family.
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‎In the same vein, her Ministry intensified public enlightenment on the child adoption process and has equally been active in the fight against child and drug abuse.
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Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues

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