The Edo State Government on Friday, July 4, 2025 set a new national standard in female empowerment and economic development, as 50 bold young women graduated from a specialized training programme on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion.
The pioneering initiative, a collaboration between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government and the Lady Mechanic Initiative, marks a historic first in Nigeria, with all participants being female mechanics.
The event, themed “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry,” was held in Benin City and saw high-level representation from the Edo State government and federal ministries.
Delivering the speech of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, noted that the governor lauded the uniqueness of the Edo State programme.
The SSG said, “I’m very much aware that this conversion of CNG programme is a programme carried out by NADDC and it has done that in about three States, Edo, Ekiti and Imo States,”
“But Edo State is very unique because this is the first time that all participants are women. Women trained as mechanics and also done in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative. So Edo State is setting a standard that will be difficult to beat by any other state.”
The governor underscored the state’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasizing its recognition as not just a matter of social justice but also “smart economics.”
He highlighted studies demonstrating that empowering women leads to economic growth and an increase in GDP. “In Edo State, we are reflecting this vision,” he affirmed, citing the careful selection of the right person to anchor the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
He revealed, “Within our administration’s four-year tenure, there is an approved plan to train and empower 54,000 women, with a quarterly target of empowering 1,000 women. The governor also recently launched an interest-free loan of N1 billion for female traders and market women”
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim FSI, delivering her speech said the programme is an example of the renewed hope agenda in action.
She expressed immense pride in the graduates that have been trained in CNG conversation.
She stated, “This moment marks more than a graduation, it is a declaration of what is possible when bold policies meet courageous women,”
“It is a living example of the renewed hope agenda in action, empowering Nigerian women with the tools, skills, and platforms to shape the future.”
The Minister commended the NADDC and all partners for the “catalyst initiative,” declaring, “Together, we are proving that when women rise, nations thrive.”
She highlighted “PowerHer 774,” a flagship intervention reaching 3 million women across all 774 local governments in Nigeria with clean energy access, entrepreneurial training, and financial linkages.
According to her, “The graduates before us today are a vivid example of what we are scaling nationwide, women with skills, confidence, and the courage to lead their communities towards clean, sustainable growth. That it is happening in Edo State is no coincidence. Edo is a beacon of progressive leadership and women-led development.”
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo commended governor Monday Okpebholo for creating an enabling environment for women to achieve greatness and represent a beacon of hope for Edo women.
“We congratulate the 50 ladies who have successfully gained skills in CNG conversations. When we empower our women, we empower our country and the world. When you empower the women you are giving them strength”.
Other notable speakers at the event included the Director General and CEO of NADDC, Oluwemino Joseph Osanipin; the Honourable Commissioner, Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; the Honourable Commissioner, Edo State Ministry of Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu; and the Coordinator for the office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, among others.
The graduation ceremony marks a significant stride in national efforts to diversify the economy, promote clean energy, and, critically, empower women to play a leading role in emerging industries.
Edo State has undoubtedly set a formidable benchmark for other states to emulate in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.
