The Ogun State government has embarked on a significant initiative to empower women and stimulate economic growth through the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP). This project, implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, aims to improve the livelihoods of women in targeted local government areas by providing them with access to finance, skills development, and support networks. A cornerstone of this initiative is the disbursement of individual livelihood grants, totaling over N3 billion, to 54,000 women across the state. This financial injection serves as seed capital, enabling recipients to establish or expand their businesses and participate more actively in the local economy. The program’s impact extends beyond financial assistance, encompassing a comprehensive approach to women’s economic empowerment.
A key element of the NFWP is the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), which function as collaborative platforms for women to share knowledge, resources, and support. Over 3,700 WAGs have been established, encompassing 67,000 women across Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne Local Government Areas. These groups provide a crucial network for women to learn from each other, access information about business opportunities, and collectively address challenges. The program equips women with essential business skills, financial literacy training, and gender awareness education, empowering them to overcome traditional barriers to economic participation and achieve financial independence. The creation of these groups fosters a sense of community and solidarity among women, further strengthening their ability to succeed in their chosen ventures.
Beyond individual grants and WAGs, the NFWP has also facilitated the establishment of 61 collective hubs focused on various agricultural and non-agricultural activities. These hubs, including rice processing, maize storage, cassava processing, and tailoring facilities, provide shared resources and infrastructure, enabling women to scale their businesses and increase their productivity. The transfer of these hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development ensures their long-term sustainability and accessibility to a wider range of women entrepreneurs. These collective enterprises not only boost individual incomes but also contribute to the overall economic development of the state by adding value to local agricultural produce and promoting diversification within various sectors.
The success of the NFWP has inspired the state government to launch a complementary program called Oko’owo Dapo, which aims to empower an even larger number of women – over 100,000 – using a similar model of financial assistance and skills development. This indicates the state’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and its recognition of the significant role women play in driving economic growth. By replicating the successful elements of the NFWP, the Oko’owo Dapo program seeks to expand the reach of these initiatives and create more opportunities for women-led businesses to flourish. This complementary approach further underscores the state’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for female entrepreneurship and recognizing women’s contributions to economic prosperity.
The NFWP’s impact is reflected in the impressive savings and revolving grants generated through the program. Participants have collectively saved N1.7 billion, demonstrating their newfound financial discipline and capacity to manage resources effectively. Additionally, over N536.4 million in revolving grants has been disbursed, providing access to continuous financial support for women entrepreneurs. These revolving grants promote financial sustainability and allow for the continuous flow of capital within the women’s business community. The program’s effectiveness is further validated by the testimonials of beneficiaries who have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these initiatives. These women, now empowered with the skills and resources to succeed, serve as inspiring examples of the program’s potential to uplift communities and drive economic progress.
The testimonies of beneficiaries provide compelling evidence of the NFWP’s impact on the lives of women in Ogun State. Egunjobi Olufunmilayo, a farmer, and Olabiwonninu Yemisi, a tailor, among others, have shared their stories of how the program has transformed their livelihoods, enabling them to increase their income, expand their businesses, and improve their families’ well-being. These personal accounts highlight the tangible benefits of the program and demonstrate its potential to create positive change at the individual and community levels. The NFWP, by investing in women’s economic empowerment, is not only improving individual livelihoods but also contributing to the broader socio-economic development of Ogun State, demonstrating the power of targeted interventions to create a more prosperous and inclusive society.
