The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, on Thursday said that 33,530 women have received N536,480,000 in revolving grants under Oko’wo-Dapo to support their various business endeavours.
Adeleye said that through the ministry’s skill acquisition programmes, no fewer than 5,000 women were equipped through training in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, ensuring that they gain not just skills but financial independence.
The commissioner disclosed that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to prioritising initiatives that will always significantly contribute to women’s empowerment and upliftment.
Adeleye disclosed this in Abeokuta on Thursday at an event to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, with the theme “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action.”
She said that the ministry has always taken bold steps to challenge gender-based stereotypes and economic exclusion, among other barriers hindering women’s advancement in the country.
Adeleye explained that the present administration’s commitment to eradicating Gender Based Violence led to the establishment of three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta, geared towards providing lifesaving support to survivors of GBV within 72 hours.
She said that plans are also in top gear under the Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative to construct two International Standard Women Development Centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, where women and young girls will receive training in vocational and life-enhancing skills.
She disclosed that “Another groundbreaking achievement is the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, which continues to transform the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in Ogun State.
“So far, we have facilitated the formation of 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Through these coordinated groups, 33,530 women have been mobilised and registered, and the state government has disbursed overr ₦536,480,000.00 as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses.
“The impact of these interventions is evident, as the WAGs have collectively saved over ₦1.72 billion, demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment, and resilience of Ogun State women”.
Adeleye further used the occasion to plead for more support to empower women for the betterment of society.
In her keynote address, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, urged Nigerian women to form allies and stop seeing themselves as competitors to break barriers against stereotypes and advance in every facet of life.
Salako-Oyedele equally challenged women eyeing leadership roles in the country to get themselves sufficiently equipped with the right knowledge, exposure, and educational training that will not make them pushovers but qualified and competent to beat stiff competition from men.
Speaking on this year’s celebration theme, “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action,” Salako-Oyedele said that the theme underscores the power of support and collaboration to uplift women in the country.
She said, “No woman climbs the ladder of leadership alone, and neither can any one woman’s singular effort dismantle the deep-rooted barriers that hinder women’s advancement.
“To truly accelerate action, we must be deliberate about working together—across professions, generations, and political divides—to build a strong and united front that amplifies our collective voice.
“Women must see one another as allies, not competitors. Too often, the struggle for limited opportunities pits us against one another when, in reality, our strength lies in collaboration, mentorship, and the strategic sharing of knowledge and opportunities.”
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the state governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, urged the women to prioritise training and empowering young girls.
She said that she has found out that many young girls in the state can be great in life, but must be adequately mentored and supported to attain the lofty heights.
The First Lady also urged the women to learn to form a synergy and support one another for a more prosperous future.
In her lecture, Mrs Omotayo Adeyemo, State Programme Advisor, Society for Family Health, spoke on Family Planning.
She said family planning was safe, would reduce the infant mortality rate, and ensure childbirth spacing.
Adeyemo noted that family planning had no negative impact on infertility but would help mothers to attend to economic needs and pursue their careers as their male counterparts.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of empowerment tools such as popcorn machines, generating sets, and grinding machines to some women across the state.
Representatives of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Adesanya Olufunke, Adeosun Adebimpe, appreciated the state government for the empowerment.