100,000 Ogun women empowered to fight poverty, strengthen families – Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced that approximately 100,000 women in his state have benefited from the World Bank-backed Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP). The governor emphasized that women's economic empowerment is crucial for combating poverty and fostering family and community development. Speaking to United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Abiodun said his administration seized the opportunity to bring women from the grassroots into the fold of political and economic empowerment, beyond merely appointing them to political offices.

He highlighted that the aim was to provide women with essential resources, skills, and chances to establish sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and live with dignity. The governor noted that women's empowerment is an investment in the overall economy and the future of families, as economically empowered women are better equipped to provide for their households and contribute to community growth.

Ogun's implementation of the programme has garnered interest from over 25 states, with political commitment being vital for replicating its success. The UN Deputy Secretary-General praised the governor's seed funding and faith in women's potential to grow businesses and transform their communities. She commended the beneficiaries for their resilience, creativity, and enterprise, stating that their achievements demonstrate the possibilities when women receive the right support and opportunities.

The UN official pledged to share the Ogun experience with her home state as a testament to the impact of investing in women. The State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme, Bola Fadairo, revealed that Ogun was among the first six pilot states when the project began in 2020, surpassing its target by 105 percent. The programme has established 8,759 women's affinity groups comprising 247,273 women across the 20 local government areas, with beneficiaries receiving training in financial management, record-keeping, gender awareness, and life skills to build sustainable livelihoods.