Effective Implementation of NFWP-SU is Non-Negotiable, Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Ekiti Women’s Empowerment

The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), describing the initiative as a strategic platform for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is deeply passionate about implementing this program, viewing it as a significant step toward grassroots transformation. The administration is investing in the NFWP-SU because of its firm belief that when a woman is empowered, she is positioned to uplift her home, leading to the overall development of the community and the state at large.

The Chairman of the State Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Structure and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, gave this assurance at the opening session of a three-day team-bonding workshop organised to strengthen networking and collaboration among NFWP-SU officials.

Adebayo reiterated Governor Oyebanji’s strong support for the project, noting that the administration remains committed to policies that advance women’s economic independence. He emphasised that the effective implementation of the scale-up phase requires the right attitude, professionalism, and teamwork, urging all actors to remain focused on achieving a measurable impact on livelihoods.

In her keynote address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, described the programme as a transformative intervention designed to empower grassroots and improve household livelihoods through the Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms. She charged participants to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity, ensuring that the resources invested by the state government reach the intended grassroots beneficiaries. This focus on integrity was echoed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Sola Adeluyi, who highlighted the importance of institutional synergy and strict adherence to operational guidelines to ensure the initiative’s long-term success and sustainability.

The Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Mrs Toyin Familoni, explained that the ongoing training aims to enhance unity and coordinated service delivery. The event also featured a delegation from Ogun State, led by their Project Coordinator, Mrs Bolanle Fadairo, who shared best practices to promote inter-state learning. By fostering this environment of collaboration and rigorous field coordination, the Ekiti State Government is ensuring that Governor Oyebanji’s vision for a prosperous “Land of Honour” begins at the household level, where empowered women serve as the primary drivers of socio-economic progress.