Abeokuta, Nigeria – March 21, 2024 – The Ogun State Government has disbursed over N536.48 million in revolving grants to support 33,530 women entrepreneurs under the Oko’wo-Dapo scheme, reinforcing its commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
Speaking at an event in Abeokuta to mark International Women’s Day, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, highlighted the state’s various initiatives to uplift women financially and socially. According to her, the government has also facilitated skill acquisition programs that have trained at least 5,000 women in fashion design, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, equipping them with vocational skills for financial independence.
Adeleye reaffirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s dedication to women’s advancement, noting that the administration has prioritized initiatives aimed at breaking gender-based barriers and economic exclusion. She further revealed that the state has established three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta to provide timely intervention for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors.
To further strengthen economic empowerment, Adeleye disclosed ongoing plans to construct two International Standard Women Development Centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode. These centers will offer comprehensive training in vocational and life-enhancing skills for women and young girls.
Financial Empowerment and Community Savings
The commissioner emphasized the transformative impact of the Oko’wo-Dapo scheme, which has facilitated the formation of 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). She noted that apart from the disbursed grants, the groups have collectively saved over N1.72 billion, demonstrating financial discipline and resilience among women in Ogun State.
Deputy Governor Calls for Women’s Solidarity
In her keynote address, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele urged women to support one another instead of competing, emphasizing that collective efforts are necessary to dismantle barriers hindering their progress.
“No woman climbs the ladder of leadership alone, and neither can one woman’s effort single-handedly dismantle the deep-rooted barriers that hinder women’s advancement,” she stated.
She encouraged women eyeing leadership positions to equip themselves with the right education, exposure, and knowledge to stand strong in competitive spaces.
First Lady Advocates for Mentorship
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, emphasized the importance of mentoring young girls, stating that many have great potential but require adequate guidance and support to excel.
She called for increased collaboration and synergy among women to build a more prosperous future.
Focus on Family Planning
Delivering a lecture on Family Planning, Mrs. Omotayo Adeyemo, State Programme Advisor for the Society for Family Health, stressed that family planning is safe and does not lead to infertility. She noted that proper child spacing could reduce infant mortality rates and enable women to pursue their careers effectively.
Empowerment Tools Distributed
The event’s highlights included the distribution of empowerment tools, such as popcorn machines, generating sets, and grinding machines, to selected women across the state. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Adesanya Olufunke and Mrs. Adeosun Adebimpe expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support in improving women’s economic stability.
The Ogun State Government’s initiatives continue to make significant strides in women’s economic and social empowerment, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development.
