11/05/2026
*Benue Women Affairs Ministry, RAADI Forge Alliance to Deepen Grassroots Women Empowerment*
The Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with non-governmental organisations and development groups to advance women empowerment and social welfare initiatives across the state. The Ministry said the renewed collaboration drive would focus on sustainable empowerment programmes capable of improving the economic wellbeing of women and vulnerable groups at the grassroots.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation from Rise Above Austerity Development Initiatives (RAADI) during a courtesy visit to her office. The delegation was led by the organisation’s Executive Director, Ms. Folashade S. Adams, alongside the Programme Manager, Mr. Ternenge Ibu, and other members of the organisation.
Speaking during the meeting, Mrs. Ikwue noted that since assuming office, she had observed that many empowerment programmes organised by both the Ministry and some non-governmental organisations were largely centred on soap-making, tailoring, and similar vocational skills.
According to her, while such initiatives remain important, there is a need to broaden the scope of empowerment to include more sustainable and economically viable ventures.
The Commissioner explained that the Ministry has now begun shifting focus toward agriculture-based empowerment programmes aimed at promoting food production and processing among women in Benue State. She cited recent Ministry programmes where women were trained and supported in food processing as part of efforts to create long-term economic opportunities and improve household incomes.
She reiterated that the Ministry’s core mandate remains the empowerment and protection of women and children, stressing that strategic partnerships with credible organisations such as RAADI would help expand the Ministry’s reach and impact across communities.
Mrs. Ikwue further pledged the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with RAADI by linking the organisation with relevant departments and directors within the Ministry to facilitate effective collaboration and implementation of programmes. She assured the delegation that the Ministry’s doors remain open for consultation and productive engagement at all times.
Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director of Rise Above Austerity Development Initiatives, Ms. Folashade S. Adams, said the organisation was established to promote women and youth empowerment, particularly in the areas of health, education, and skills development.
Highlighting some of the organisation’s achievements, Ms. Adams disclosed that RAADI has successfully conducted six community and school outreaches across the state since its inception.
She explained that one of the organisation’s flagship initiatives, the “After-the-School Lesson Programme,” was held at Demekpe Secondary School in 2024, where students received educational support lessons and meals as part of efforts to encourage learning and improve academic performance.
According to her, the organisation also implemented a women empowerment initiative targeted at supporting market women to boost their income-generating capacities and improve their livelihoods.
Ms. Adams further revealed that the organisation participated in a capacity-building programme organised by BENGONET, where all staff members of RAADI received training aimed at strengthening service delivery and operational effectiveness.
She added that RAADI also carried out educational outreach programmes for students of Community Secondary School, involving JSS 2A and 2B students, with a total of 44 students in attendance. During the outreach, exercise books and writing materials were distributed to the students to support their academic pursuits.
The Executive Director appealed to the Ministry to support the organisation through strategic collaboration and community linkages that would enable RAADI to effectively implement its programmes and achieve its objectives.
She stated that the organisation’s motto, “Impacting Life,” reflects its commitment to improving lives through humanitarian and developmental interventions, adding that collaboration with the Ministry would further strengthen its impact across communities.
In her closing remarks, the Director of Child Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Janet Daagba, commended RAADI for identifying with the Ministry and pursuing goals that align with the Ministry’s vision for women and child development.
She assured the organisation of the Ministry’s unwavering support and collaboration, stressing that staff members of the Ministry remain committed to assisting development partners in achieving meaningful and lasting impact.
Also speaking, the Director of the Ministry's ICT, Mr. Ebute Williams, offered prayers for divine guidance, good health, wisdom, and adequate resources for both the Ministry and RAADI to enable them accomplish their shared goals of empowerment and community development.
The meeting ended with renewed commitment from both parties to foster stronger collaboration toward improving the welfare of women, youths, and vulnerable groups across Benue State.
_Ochanya Grace Okoh
Assistant Information Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare_
