Ekiti State has concluded a three-day strategic stakeholders’ engagement on the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), reaffirming the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to deepening women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots.
The final leg of the engagement, which was held in Aiyekire Loca Government Area and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area brought together traditional leaders, government officials and key community stakeholders to mobilise women for participation in the World Bank–supported initiative.
The concluding meetings were held at Ode-Ekiti for Aiyekire Local Government Area and Aisegba-Ekiti for Gbonyin Local Council Development Area, marking the end of a series that earlier took place in Efon and Moba Local Government Areas.
Addressing stakeholders, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, explained that Efon, Moba and Aiyekire/Gbonyin Local Government Areas were designated pilot locations for the programme in Ekiti State.
She said the engagement was designed to ensure that women at the grassroots fully understand the initiative and key into it.
According to her, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration recognizes women’s empowerment as a key strategy for sustainable development .
She urged the women residing in the Local Government Area that to take advantage of the NFWP and be members of Women Affinity Groups ( WAGs) to enhance their business and improve their economic conditions.
Taking participants through the operational framework of the programme, the Ekiti State Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, assured stakeholders that the initiative is real, transparent and impactful.
She called on traditional rulers, women leaders and community representatives to mobilise eligible women to participate in the programme.
Mrs Familoni explained that the programme is targeted at women aged 18 years and above who are engaged in businesses no matter how small.
Beneficiaries are expected to form Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) of 20 to 25 members well known to one another.
She added that the women would engage in group savings, after which they will be supported with funds.
Also speaking, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, representing the Ogun State Project Coordinator, described the NFWP-SU as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, state governments and the World Bank aimed at strengthening women’s financial capacity and business sustainability.
She noted that the programme also provides women with training for the required skills set for business success.
The Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa, said the NFWP-SU is one of several people-centred empowerment initiatives being implemented by the Oyebanji administration, urging stakeholders to ensure the programme achieves its intended impact.
In a goodwill message, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, expressed a firm confidence in the NFWP that it would boost the economy of the grassroots and help the women in their businesses.
She emphasised that the initiative is non-political and inclusive.
Traditional institutions also pledged their support. Speaking on behalf of the Olode of Ode-Ekiti, Olori Idowu Aderiye attested to the authenticity and economic potential of the programme, calling on stakeholders to enlighten and mobilise women in their respective domains to participate.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, commended the State Government and the World Bank for the programme and urged the Ayekire/ Gbonyin women to key into the initiative.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, urged stakeholders representing various towns to also take the responsibility of sensitising the people on the benefits of the NFWP.
Dignitaries present at the engagements included the Senior Technical Adviser to the Project in Ekiti, Dr Mrs. Oyefunke Koleowo; Director, Widows, Orphans and the Hopeless (WAOH) Project, Dr Mrs. Oluwakemi Dairo; representatives of traditional rulers’ wives in Aiyekire LG; Olori Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti; community leaders and women stakeholders.
The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is designed to institutionalise Women Affinity Groups(WAGs) and expand economic opportunities for unbanked women, with the goal of improving household income, reducing poverty and strengthening community-based economic development across Ekiti State.
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