Edo 2024: Airhiavbere's Aspiration As A Promising Force For Women Aspiration

By The Editor 

In his address, weekend, at the 7th anniversary of the Sisters to Sister Foundation, General Charles Airhiavbere, rtd, mni, the immediate past Executive Director Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and easily the foremost Edo APC Governorship Aspirant, outlined a vision that intertwines empowerment, sustainability, and gender equality for the women of Edo State.

The Sister-to-Sister Foundation, an initiative of Dr Mary Idele Alile, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has as its focus the strengthening, encouragement, empowerment, and inspiration of women. It has been a beacon of support for women across the state. General Airhiavbere acknowledged the foundation's significant role in fostering solidarity among women and especially providing them with a platform to interact and thrive.

Highlighting the symbolism of the 7th year, General Airhiavbere drew parallels with the biblical significance of the number 7, signifying fulfillment and completion. The foundation at the occasion launched the Shelter for Mother and Baby project, which more or less is a starting point for realizing the foundation's objectives. The event signposts a historic moment in the pursuit of sustainable living conditions for all women in Edo State.

For General Airhiavbere, it was a moment for a bold pledge to extend this initiative to all 192 wards of Edo State by November 2024, when he gets the mandate of Edo people to be Governor. He spoke of a robust circular economy in an Edo state with him as Chief Executive that places women at its focal point. This vision is to empower every woman and girl child by expanding socio-economic opportunities, managing natural resources sustainably, and creating scalable value chains.

General Airhiavbere envisions the establishment of 192 women-focused Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), transforming seemingly simple services into lucrative revenue sources. These enterprises he said will cover diverse sectors, including fish processing, waste recycling, and agricultural waste utilization. General Airhiavbere's emphasis harps on the potential for Edo women to set new benchmarks, achieving incomes three to four times the National Minimum Wage through value addition.

A key aspect of General Airhiavbere's proposed plan involves women SME cooperatives engaging in the processing of agricultural waste, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Also, the reduction of carbon footprints is expected to generate carbon credits and elevate environmental standards in Edo State.

General Airhiavbere's address  exposed as a Governor who will be humble in his service to Edo State. It also articulated a vision where the Shelter launched that day serves as a seed for the establishment of similar  projects in the 192 wards of the State with each becoming a micro-industrial hub in every ward. This, he believes, will unlock new skills, business opportunities, fulfillment, and leadership positions for Edo women.

In aligning his vision with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5, aiming for gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls, General Charles Airhiavbere commits to steering Edo State towards these goals by 2030. His closing words resonated with a call to action — "The time has come to MAKE EDO GREAT AGAIN."

In applauding the Sister to Sister Foundation for providing the launchpad for this collective journey, General Airhiavbere's gubernatorial aspiration emerges as a promising force for positive change, echoing a commitment to uplift and empower the women of Edo State towards a future of prosperity and equality.