The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has announced the disbursement of over ₦3 billion to 54,000 women under the Individual Livelihood Grants initiative of the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Livelihood Collective Operational and the handover of Livelihood Collective Groups to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Engr. Salako-Oyedele highlighted the state government’s commitment to empowering women and removing barriers limiting their economic participation.
The Deputy Governor, who chairs the Steering Committee for the NFWP in Ogun State, revealed that over 67,000 women in Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne Local Government Areas have benefited from the program. She added that the initiative has also led to the formation of over 3,700 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and the establishment of 61 Livelihood Collectives comprising 11,000 members engaged in agricultural and non-agricultural ventures.
“These women have undergone extensive training in business skills, financial education, gender awareness, and life skills,” said Salako-Oyedele. “This training equips them to overcome gender-based challenges and adopt modern entrepreneurial practices.”
She further stated that the NFWP inspired the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to launch similar programs such as the Oko’owo Dapo initiative, which has empowered over 100,000 additional women across Ogun State.
The handover ceremony included 61 collective groups and hubs designed to enhance economic collaboration among women. These hubs include two rice processing centers, five maize storage and marketing facilities, 38 cassava processing units, seven cassava and maize production hubs, and nine tailoring centers.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, disclosed that over 1,616 Women Affinity Groups have been formed across all 20 Local Government Areas of the state, benefiting 33,530 women who received training in financial literacy and business development.
According to Adeleye, the program has disbursed ₦536.4 million as revolving grants to these groups, with participants collectively saving over ₦1.7 billion. The initiative has also provided life-changing opportunities for over 54,000 women, equipping them with resources and skills to start or expand their businesses.
Several beneficiaries shared their success stories at the event. Mrs. Egunjobi Olufunmilayo, a farmer from Yewa North, Mrs. Olabiwonninu Yemisi, a tailor from Odeda, and Mrs. Obikoya Oluwasola, a petty trader from Ijebu North-East, all testified to the transformative impact of the program on their businesses.
Dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua and Dr. Nofisa Muhammad, Commissioners for Women Affairs from Katsina and Zamfara States, respectively, and Dr. Aisha Abubakar, representing Jigawa State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs.
The Nigeria For Women Project, supported by the World Bank, aims to foster economic independence for women while promoting community transformation and inclusive growth in Ogun State.
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