‎The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has charged wives of Local Government Council Chairmen on diligence and constructive leadership, urging them to support their husbands and contribute to community development in their localities.
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‎Mrs. Anani gave the charge during her engagement with them at the Government House in Benin City, where she emphasized the importance of their roles in promoting positive change and enhancing the welfare of residents in their communities.
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‎According to Mrs. Anani, “The essence of being wives of Chairmen is to assist your husbands and be a pillar of support to them, which is very important. The load they carry is a lot, so it’s essential to be that soft landing at home. They should be able to speak to you and share their feelings, and you should be that second voice of reasoning”.
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‎Mrs. Anani stated that being a wife of a Chairman comes with significant responsibilities, emphasizing that being a “First Lady” is not just a title, but a role that requires action. She urged the Council Chairmen’s wives to develop programmes benefiting women, children, and the vulnerable in their localities, stressing that Local Governments are the foundation of state development, which aligns with the current administration’s vision of placing much value on women’s contributions.
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‎”You are vested with significant responsibilities, and it’s not easy. Projecting your husband requires carrying out these responsibilities. In your local government, you’re seen as first ladies, and being a first lady isn’t just about title. it’s about the responsibilities you carry. You should develop programmes benefiting women, children, and the vulnerable in your locality. Every State begins from your locality; without local government, there’s no state,” Mrs. Anani submitted.
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‎Mrs. Anani noted that as supportive wives, when husbands share their concerns, wives should be able to provide guidance and pray for them, citing the story of Hannah in the Bible, who prayed as an example of a supportive partner, contrasting with Eve’s influence on Adam. She concluded that such supportive role makes a wife a leader, responsible for women and children, and requires collaboration with women leaders in their respective local governments areas.
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‎The Leader of the Group and Chairperson of Owan East Local Government Council, Mrs. Rasheeda Aruna, with the delegates appreciated Mrs. Anani for championing women’s, girls’, children’s, and the vulnerable people’s causes in the State, highlighting her effectiveness in promoting their welfare and empowerment.
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