Edo women honour Betsy Obaseki with send-off after eight years of service

The First Lady of Edo State, Dr. Betsy Bene Obaseki, was honoured with a grand send-off party on Wednesday, marking the end of her eight years of service.

The event organised by the women of Edo State celebrated her outstanding contributions to the community and her dedication to advancing the lives of women and the vulnerable.

The ceremony was coordinated by Special Adviser, Political Edo Central, Hon. Dr. Mrs Philomena Ihenyen, supported by thousands of Edo citizens, showcased the First Lady’s lasting impact on the state.

Dr. Obaseki’s tenure was characterised by her tireless advocacy for women and girls, her work supporting the underserved, and her numerous initiatives aimed at improving the overall well-being of Edo residents.

Dr. Ihenyen commended Dr. Obaseki’s strength, compassion, and leadership, calling her a “mother and First Lady who has paved the way for many to excel.”

She added that the First Lady’s humility, consistency, and elegance have endeared her to the people of Edo State.

Dignitaries from various sectors attended the event, including civil society leaders, survivors of gender-based violence, and representatives from international development organisations.

Dr. Obaseki was presented with numerous awards and gifts, including honours from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG).

Wife of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, described Dr. Obaseki as a fighter for her people, while the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko, commended her advocacy for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Protection (VAPP) Act in the state and the establishment of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Students from public secondary schools paid tribute to the First Lady, and members of the business community, including Genius Hub founder and Chief Innovation Officer, expressed their gratitude for her support in the tech ecosystem and entrepreneurial development.

In her appreciation speech, Dr. Obaseki thanked the people of Edo State for their support throughout her tenure and credited God for providing strength during challenging times.

She expressed pride in the progress made over the past eight years and encouraged continued efforts toward positive change in the state.

Dr. Obaseki’s legacy includes a record number of women appointed and elected to leadership positions, solidifying her place in the state’s history as a champion of women’s empowerment and development.