Governor Abiodun says 100,000 women in Ogun empowered to fight poverty

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that about 100,000 women in the state have benefited from the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) supported by the World Bank. He described empowering women as a key way to fight poverty and strengthen families and communities.

Abiodun shared this news on Monday during a meeting with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed. They interacted with beneficiaries of the programme at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor explained that his administration fully embraced the programme. He said it helps reach women at the grassroots level who may not have access to traditional ways of political and economic empowerment.

He emphasized that empowering women should go beyond just giving them political roles. It should also involve providing the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to create sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and live with dignity.

“When the World Bank shared with us the Nigeria for Women Project, we did not only key into it; we took ownership of it.

“We saw in that programme the opportunity to empower women because not all women are able to contest elections or be appointed Commissioners or occupy political offices. We saw the opportunity to touch the lives of these women, empower them to support their households and themselves, and give them a sense of dignity,” he said.

Abiodun stated that the programme's successes have confirmed his administration’s belief that investing in women benefits the wider economy and the future of families. He pointed out that women who are economically empowered can better provide for their households and help develop their communities.

He said Ogun’s approach to the programme has attracted attention from over 25 other states looking to learn from Ogun’s model. He added that strong political support is vital for replicating its success elsewhere.

The governor hopes the initiative will expand nationwide so more women can benefit.

“It is my prayer that this deepens across the length and breadth of the 36 states and the FCT. I am filled with so much joy today that you are here and that you can see first-hand what we have been able to do with women empowerment,” Abiodun said.

The UN deputy secretary-general praised the governor for providing seed funding and for believing in women’s potential to grow their businesses and transform their communities.

Mohammed recognized the beneficiaries for their resilience, creativity, and enterprise. She said their success shows what can happen when women receive the right support and opportunities.

“You have shown that you started small and you are growing, and what we want is for every woman in Ogun State who can benefit to have that benefit,” she said.

The UN official plans to share Ogun’s experience back home as an example of what can be achieved through investment in women.

“I will take this initiative back to my state so that everyone will know that a seed was sown in Ogun State for the women of Nigeria, and that seed is growing. A country is as strong as its women,” Mohammed added.

The State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme, Mrs. Bola Fadairo, said Ogun was one of the first six pilot states when the programme started in 2020.

She noted that the state exceeded its target by 105 percent, with 8,759 Women Affinity Groups formed, totaling 247,273 women across the 20 local government areas.

Fadairo mentioned that beneficiaries received training in financial management, record-keeping, gender awareness, life skills, and other areas to help them build sustainable livelihoods.

She said the level of participation and the impact seen across the state show Ogun’s commitment to creating lasting opportunities for women, improving household incomes, and contributing to community development.