December 05, (THEWILL) – The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has disclosed that over N3 billion has been disbursed to 54,000 women through the Individual Livelihood Grants under the Nigeria For Women Project.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Livelihood Collective Operational and the formal handover of Livelihood Collective Groups to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abeokuta, Salako-Oyedele emphasized the state’s commitment to empowering women and removing economic barriers.
She stated that the Nigeria For Women Project had formed over 3,700 Affinity Groups, positively impacting more than 67,000 women across Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne Local Government Areas.
Salako-Oyedele, who serves as Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the project in Ogun, revealed that 61 collectives comprising 11,000 members of Women Affinity Groups engaged in agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises had been established.
These women, she said, had undergone extensive training in business skills, financial literacy, and life skills to overcome gender-based challenges and adopt modern entrepreneurial practices.
“The Nigeria For Women Project has achieved remarkable milestones, forming over 3,700 Affinity Groups and reaching 67,000 women across four local government areas. In April 2022, over N3 billion in livelihood grants were distributed to 54,000 women to enhance their economic participation,” the deputy governor stated.
She further lauded the programme’s success, highlighting its alignment with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s “Oko’owo Dapo” initiative, which has provided similar empowerment to over 100,000 women across Ogun State.
Salako-Oyedele also announced the handover of 61 collective groups and hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs, including rice processing hubs, cassava processing hubs, maize storage and marketing hubs, tailoring hubs, and others.
“We proudly transfer 61 collective groups and hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs, ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives and empowering women to be key drivers of economic growth and community transformation,” she added.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, noted that over 1,616 Women Affinity Groups had been established across the state, directly benefiting 33,530 women.
She revealed that the groups collectively saved over N1 billion through the program while receiving over N5 million in direct disbursements.
“The Nigeria For Women Project continues to create life-changing opportunities for women in Ogun State, offering training in financial education, business skills, and gender awareness, while also addressing grievance mechanisms,” Adeleye said.
The programme, supported by the World Bank, has positioned Ogun as the representative for the South West in implementing the initiative. Beneficiaries were urged to maximize the resources and training provided to sustain their ventures and contribute to the state’s development.
