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Reasons Ogun State Distributes Over N3bn in Livelihood Grants to Empower 54,000 Women

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 6th, 2024.

Reasons Ogun State Distributes Over N3bn in Livelihood Grants to Empower 54,000 Women

The Ogun State Government has allocated more than N3 billion in livelihood grants to 54,000 women as part of its ongoing efforts to promote women’s empowerment and stimulate local economic growth.

The announcement was made by Ogun State’s Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the launch of the Livelihood Collective Operational and the formal handover of Collective Groups to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abeokuta. According to a statement, Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Project, highlighted the significant impact of the initiative.

She revealed that the project had successfully formed over 3,700 Women Affinity Groups, benefiting a total of 67,000 women across various Local Government Areas, including Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne. The initiative, she added, has focused on providing women with essential business training, financial literacy, and gender awareness, helping to break down barriers to their economic participation.

“The Nigeria for Women Project has established 3,700 affinity groups, positively impacting 67,000 women,” said Salako-Oyedele. “Under my leadership, we distributed over N3 billion in grants to 54,000 women in April 2022. Additionally, 61 collective hubs, engaging over 11,000 women in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, have been created.”

Salako-Oyedele also emphasized that the initiative inspired the state’s Oko’owo Dapo program, which has reached over 100,000 women. The 61 collective hubs, which include centers for rice processing, maize storage, cassava processing, and tailoring, were transferred to the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure their sustainability.

Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, shared that the program had helped establish 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state, benefiting more than 33,000 women in 2024 alone. She also revealed that participants collectively saved N1.7 billion and received N536.4 million in revolving grants.

“This initiative has truly changed the lives of over 54,000 women,” Adeleye declared. “These women now have access to vital business training, financial education, and grants to either start or grow their businesses.”

Beneficiaries of the program, such as farmer Egunjobi Olufunmilayo and tailor Olabiwonninu Yemisi, shared their success stories, praising the program for transforming their livelihoods and empowering them to improve their economic prospects.