The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has pledged to explore and strengthen its partnership with Super 88.1 FM to address issues affecting women, the girl child and other vulnerable groups in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Eugenia Abdallah, made the commitment when she received the management of Super 88.1 FM at her office in Benin City.

Honourable Abdallah said her ministry was implementing initiatives to address challenges affecting women and vulnerable groups, including child rights violations, early marriage, female genital mutilation and gender-based violence.

She, however, expressed concern over the low level of public awareness about the existence of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in some areas, stressing that stronger collaboration with the media would help bridge the information gap and improve access to support services for survivors.

Earlier, the General Manager of Super 88.1 FM, Gbenga James, represented by the Head of Programmes, Joyce Chucks, expressed the station’s readiness to partner with the ministry to promote women’s empowerment, protect vulnerable groups and raise public awareness of gender-related issues across the state.

Chucks highlighted the station’s commitment to advancing gender equality and amplifying initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable persons. She cited programmes such as Today’s Woman, which focuses on women’s issues, and Mother and Child, which addresses issues affecting mothers and children.

She also commended the ministry and the commissioner for initiatives undertaken during the commissioner’s first year in office, particularly those focused on women’s economic empowerment, protection from abuse and the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks for addressing gender-based violence.

Chucks said the proposed collaboration would deepen public engagement, give greater visibility to relevant interventions and encourage residents to participate in programmes designed to improve their welfare.

The meeting also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary and other directors in the ministry as well as Super FM's Head of News and Current Affairs, Israel Adebiyi and the Human Resources Business Partner, Morris Ekine.