NEWS UPDATE

In a bold push to institutionalize inclusive growth and expand socio-economic frontiers for women, the Ekiti State Government has flagged off a strategic five-day workshop dedicated to the development and domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.

Running from August 17th to 21st, 2026, at the Ministry of Women Affairs Multipurpose Hall within the Secretariat Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the high-level engagement brings together top-tier government functionaries, technocrats, and development experts.

The strategic sessions are hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq. The initiative aims to formulate localized framework indicators carefully tailored to the state’s distinct economic peculiarities, ensuring that women across the grassroots and urban sectors are structurally integrated into wealth creation pipelines.

The opening phase of the workshop drew an impressive roster of key state actors and institutional leaders committed to mainstreaming gender parity. Among those in attendance were the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae; and the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was represented by its Permanent Secretary, who stood in for the Commissioner, Mr. Babatope Ojo.

Providing vital technical direction for the policy domestication process are distinguished consultants, including renowned WEE Policy Consultant Prof. Olabisi Aina and Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Afolabi.

The robust multi-sectoral dialogue also featured critical contributions from the Director-General and Special Adviser for the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Engr. Moyo Ekundayo; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sunday Omoya; and the Ekiti State Statistician-General, Mrs. Dolapo Dasola-Ojo.

Operating under four foundational institutional pillars, Agriculture, Labour, Wealth Creation, and Emerging Industries, the newly minted framework positions the Ministry of Women Affairs as the central coordinating midwife. It is tasked with overseeing seamless data and information sharing across all partnering sectors.

To transition from conceptual blueprint to actionable execution, participating ministries are mandated to constitute dedicated four-person delegations. These teams must incorporate a designated technical expert charged with aligning institutional operational realities with sustainable, long-term pathways for women’s economic integration.

Delivering her remarks on the vision behind the roadmap, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Olapeju Babafemi, expressed profound optimism regarding the profound positive impact the policy framework will yield for women across the Land of Honour.

She emphasized that the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration remains resolute in translating policy commitments into tangible, life-transforming opportunities that bolster household livelihoods and drive sustainable community development across Ekiti State.