The Ogun State Government has registered 3,486 Women Affinity Groups under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP), a World Bank-backed initiative aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment.
The government disclosed that no fewer than 83,664 women across the state are already benefiting from various interventions under the programme.
The Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Women Affairs, Augusta Araba, made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of project champions in Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo, Ijebu Ode, and Sagamu Local Government Areas.
She explained that the state is targeting the formation of 4,000 women groups under the NFWP, noting that the inauguration of project champions marks a significant step in expanding opportunities for women, particularly those excluded from formal financial systems.
“Since the commencement of this programme in June 2023, it has continued to reshape the socio-economic landscape of the state through financial inclusion, enterprise development, community engagement, and various empowerment drives,” Araba said.
She commended the newly inaugurated champions for their commitment, attributing the programme’s progress to their grassroots mobilisation and advocacy efforts.
According to her, the champions have played a key role in facilitating the training of 440 ward facilitators, equipping them with skills in financial literacy, digital inclusion, and enterprise development.
“The roles of the project champions remain pivotal to the success of the scale-up project. You serve as the link between the programme and grassroots communities, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring progress,” she added.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator, Bolanle Fadairo, stressed the need for discipline and commitment among the champions.
She warned against actions that could undermine the programme, urging them to remain focused on its objectives.
Fadairo described the champions as critical drivers of change, adding that their dedication would determine the overall impact of the initiative.
She further urged them to prioritise community development above personal interests to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach the most vulnerable women.
Earlier, the Head of Operations, Rasheed Ajibade, reflected on the pilot phase of the programme carried out between 2020 and 2023 in selected local government areas, including Odeda, Ijebu North East, Yewa North, and Ikenne.
He charged the champions to surpass previous achievements by strengthening grassroots engagement and delivering measurable outcomes.
In his presentation, the Behaviour Change Communication Adviser, Taiwo Fredrick, emphasised that the sustainability of the initiative depends largely on the commitment of the champions.
He outlined their responsibilities to include field monitoring, advocacy, promotion of women’s affinity groups, and advancing financial inclusion at the community level.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
