Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women in Osun State as 500 women benefitted from a training programme on organic farming.
Speaking at the conclusion of the training organised by the Springtime Development Foundation, Adeleke, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ayobola Fadeyi-Awolowo, stressed the government’s focus on women’s development.
“Since our administration took office, we have made women empowerment a key part of our agenda and have not faltered in this commitment,” he stated.
The programme engaged participants in different training sessions, including organic farming, vegetable cultivation, cocoyam production, snail breeding, and poultry farming. The women were equipped with practical skills to enhance their economic independence and contribute to food security.
As part of the empowerment initiative, each of the 500 women received N50,000 to support their businesses. Adeleke described this as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to uplifting women, stressing that investment in women was an investment in national growth. He referred to women as “nation builders” and noted that their empowerment is essential for the country’s prosperity.
Chairman of the Springtime Development Foundation, Dr. Deji Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Banji Adesuyi, highlighted the broader vision of the project. According to him, the initiative, named after Veronica Adeleke, was created to promote sustainable economic independence for women in Osun State.
“This program is the first of its kind in the state, with participants drawn from all 30 local government councils and area offices. We have 500 participants in this phase, and our target is to empower 1,000 women, with plans to continue expanding the initiative,” Adesuyi explained.
The training combined agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial support, aligning with state efforts to drive inclusive growth and women empowerment in Osun.