ANEEJ, Edo Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation agree on tackling poverty
Benin City, Nigeria. March 4, 2026 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Edo State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Public Alleveiation has agreed to work together to address issues of poverty in the state.
Both organizations reached the agreement during a courtesy visit of ANEEJ led by its Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor to the Honourable Commissioner, Chief Olabisi Marie Idaomi, Esq. office on March 4, 2026,
The ANEEJ visit was part of the implementation of the “Tackling poverty through resilience building/advocacy for Social Protection, Climate Justice and Anti-Corruption” project, supported by Bread for the World and the delegation was led by the Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, and included Innocent Edemhanria (Programmes Manager), Sandra Eguagie (Monitoring and Evaluation Manager), and Jeremiah Amaize (Communications Officer).
Speaking during the visit, Rev. Ugolor stated that the purpose of the engagement was to establish a strategic partnership with the Ministry, foster synergy, and develop sustainable policies and collaborative initiatives aligned with the Edo State Government’s mandate to improve the welfare of vulnerable populations across the state.
He provided an overview of ANEEJ’s work over the past three decades, highlighting its interventions in governance reform, anti-corruption advocacy, asset recovery and management, and public finance transparency. Rev. Ugolor also introduced the “Tackling poverty through resilience building/advocacy for Social Protection, Climate Justice and Anti-Corruption” project, supported by Bread for the World across four states namely: Edo, Anambra, Delta and Bayelsa aimed at strengthening reforms and improving livelihoods in the social sector. He also spoke on the ActNaija project, a social protection initiative currently being implemented across seven states and the Federal Capital Territory by ANEEJ and its partners. The project focuses on grassroots sensitisation and poverty reduction efforts aimed at strengthening social accountability and citizen engagement. He reaffirmed ANEEJ’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry in delivering impactful humanitarian and poverty alleviation programmes.
The Honourable Commissioner, Chief Olabisi Marie Idaomi, Esq., warmly received the delegation and acknowledged ANEEJ’s longstanding contributions both in Edo State and at the national level. She reiterated the mandate of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, which includes a commitment to lift one million households out of poverty by the end of his tenure—500,000 within the first four years.
The Commissioner noted her transition from the Ministry of Women Affairs to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, observing that while both institutions share related objectives, their mandates are distinct. She expressed optimism that, with strategic partnerships and institutional collaboration, the Ministry would deliver measurable impact and position Edo State as a leading actor in the humanitarian sector. “Edo is ready to play its role in the humanitarian space,” she affirmed.
Chief Idaomi commended Rev. Ugolor for his leadership and sustained service to humanity, acknowledging ANEEJ’s over thirty years of impactful work. She further extended an invitation to ANEEJ to participate in the First Edo State Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Summit (MHAPA Summit 2026), scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with the theme “Strengthening Systems, Transforming Lives: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Humanitarian Action and Poverty Alleviation.”
As a gesture of goodwill, Rev. Ugolor presented the ANEEJ 2026 calendar to the Commissioner.
Also present in the Commissioner’s team were: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Efosa Aisiea, Director, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Mr Nosa Nesta E, Secretary to the Honourable Commissioner Mrs Susan Akpebor and Head of Media of the ministry, Ms. Andrea Olu-Martins.
The visit marks the beginning of what both institutions anticipate will be a productive partnership aimed at strengthening humanitarian systems and accelerating poverty alleviation efforts in Edo State.
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