David Williams
The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the World Bank, has unveiled the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) Project, aimed at boosting financial inclusion, supporting women-owned businesses and strengthening community development through targeted economic empowerment programmes.
The unveiling also marked the commencement of the disbursement of Community Investment Funds (CIF) to Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state.
Speaking during the launch held at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the programme as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She explained that the project was designed to empower women through structured community groups that promote savings, investment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
According to the minister, women remain critical contributors to Nigeria’s economic and social development and deserve greater support to maximise their potential.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising women development and noted that Ekiti State has distinguished itself in implementing programmes that promote the welfare of women and vulnerable groups.
She added that the initiative would enhance women’s access to finance, strengthen their financial capacity, support enterprise growth, and build stronger community-based organisations capable of driving sustainable development.
In his address, Governor Biodun Oyebanji appreciated the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the World Bank for including Ekiti among the beneficiary states.
The governor disclosed that the state qualified for the programme in 2024 and assured that its benefits would be extended across all parts of the state.
He urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously by investing in productive ventures capable of improving their businesses and livelihoods.
“I urge our women to spend this money wisely. The fund is meant to grow your businesses and improve your economic condition. The desire of President Bola Tinubu is for Nigerians to live better lives, and this programme is part of that vision,” Oyebanji said.
He also pledged additional support from the state government to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, noting that women have consistently demonstrated prudence and accountability in managing resources.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, described the programme as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment.
She explained that the World Bank-supported initiative provides women with opportunities to form groups, save collectively, invest in businesses and improve their economic well-being.
Babafemi revealed that about 1,500 women drawn from Ado, Moba, Gboyin and Efon Local Government Areas would benefit directly from the first phase of the programme.
Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of women, widows, traders, and the girl-child through various intervention programmes.
She disclosed that more than 2,000 women had already benefited from initiatives championed by her office and announced plans to disburse over ₦100 million to support women-owned businesses.
The World Bank Task Team Manager, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, described the launch as a significant milestone in advancing women’s economic empowerment in Ekiti State.
He commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to the programme, noting that the governor consistently monitored its implementation to ensure that beneficiaries received the intended support.
According to him, the project seeks to improve women’s access to finance and investment opportunities while enhancing their economic productivity.
Representing traditional institutions, the wife of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Olori Abosede Adejugbe, stressed the importance of investing in women, describing them as key contributors to family and community development.
She urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds and establish sustainable businesses capable of creating employment opportunities for others.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed gratitude to the government and development partners for the intervention.
Mrs. Akande Wasila said she initially doubted the authenticity of the programme but became convinced after participating in its activities and witnessing its impact.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Deborah, commended the initiative for equipping women with practical knowledge on savings, investment, and business management.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of dummy cheques to various Women Affinity Groups.Governor Oyebanji personally presented a cheque worth ₦1.6 million to one beneficiary group, while another group received ₦1.2 million to support business expansion and community development projects.
Representatives of the beneficiary groups pledged to utilise the funds responsibly and ensure the objectives of the programme are fully achieved.
