Ogun Govt Empowers 54,000 Women with N3bn Livelihood Grants

Ogun State has empowered over 54,000 women with a total of N3 billion under the Individual Livelihood Grants program, as part of the Nigeria for Women Project. The initiative aims to promote economic independence for women across the state and remove barriers limiting their participation in various sectors.

Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, made the announcement during the official flag-off of the Livelihood Collective Operational and the handover of the Livelihood Collective Groups to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The event was held at the Obas Complex in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Salako-Oyedele noted that the grants, which were disbursed to 54,000 women in April 2022, form part of efforts to enhance women’s economic participation. “This initiative is crucial for the economic growth of our state, and it enables women to contribute significantly to nation-building,” she said.

The Deputy Governor, who also chairs the steering committee of the Nigeria for Women Project in Ogun, explained that the project had led to the formation of over 3,700 Affinity Groups, benefitting 67,000 women in local government areas including Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne.

In addition, Engr. Salako-Oyedele highlighted the establishment of 61 Collectives with 11,000 women members actively engaged in both agricultural and non-agricultural programs. She emphasized that these women had received training in business skills, financial education, gender awareness, and life skills, equipping them to succeed in their chosen enterprises.

The Deputy Governor also stressed that the success of the Nigeria for Women Project aligned with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to empowering women, as seen through the Oko'owo Dapo program. This initiative has already reached over 100,000 additional women across the state.

"We are handing over 61 collective groups and hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs, which include vital hubs such as rice processing, maize storage, cassava processing, and tailoring facilities," Salako-Oyedele revealed.

The Ogun State Government also acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in making Ogun the South West representative for the implementation of the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Project. The Deputy Governor urged beneficiaries to maximize the resources available to them through these hubs and collective groups to sustain their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

In her remarks, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted the success of the Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), which have collectively saved over N1.7 billion and helped more than 54,000 women in the state.

Beneficiaries of the program, such as Mrs. Egunjobi Olufunmilayo, a farmer from Yewa North, and Mrs. Olabiwonninu Yemisi, a tailor from Odeda, shared how the program had transformed their businesses and improved their livelihoods. The flag-off event also attracted dignitaries including the Women Affairs Commissioners from Katsina, Zamfara, and Jigawa states.