Ekiti Women Affairs, Trade Ministries Deepen Partnership to Boost Women’s Economic Growth ‎

‎THE Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, along with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investments, and Cooperatives, has strengthened its collaboration to advance women’s economic empowerment across the state through the World Bank-assisted Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU).
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‎At a high-level strategic meeting, the Commissioners for the two ministries, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi and Mrs Tayo Adeola, reaffirmed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of women, particularly at the grassroots level.

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‎Mrs Babafemi noted that women play a vital role in driving local commerce, contributing significantly to agriculture, trade and small-scale enterprises.
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‎She commended the sustained efforts of the wife of the Governor in championing women-focused empowerment initiatives across communities in the state.

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‎The Commissioner explained that the multi-sectoral coordinating structure of the NFWP-SU, which includes cabinet members from relevant ministries, reflects the programme’s broad and multi-dimensional impact.
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‎According to her, the initiative provides a strong platform for women through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), enabling them to access mentorship, funding, market linkages and other economic opportunities.
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‎In her remarks, Mrs Adeola expressed her ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs to effectively implement the policies and programmes of the NFWP-SU aimed at strengthening women’s economic capabilities.
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‎Discussions at the meeting also centred on enhancing financial literacy and improving business management skills among women entrepreneurs in line with the programme’s guidelines.
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‎The strategic session was attended by the Ekiti State Project Coordinator of the NFWP-SU, Mrs Toyin Familoni; the Permanent Secretaries of the two ministries, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi and Mr Bunmi Ejimokun; as well as directors from both ministries.
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‎The meeting concluded with the development of a joint action plan to ensure effective implementation of the programme and sustainable economic growth for women in Ekiti State.