The Ekiti State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives have strengthened collaboration under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) to enhance women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots.
The commissioners, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi and Mrs Tayo Adeola, made this known at a strategic meeting held in Ado-Ekiti. They explained that the partnership is being driven through the World Bank-assisted Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up.
Babafemi reaffirmed Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment in the state. She noted that women play critical roles in local commerce, especially in agriculture, trading and small-scale enterprises.
According to her, the programme’s multi-sectoral coordinating structure, which includes cabinet members from relevant ministries, reflects its multi-dimensional impact. She explained that under the initiative, women are organised into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) to access mentorship, funding, markets and other economic opportunities.
Babafemi also commended the contributions of the governor’s wife to women’s empowerment initiatives across communities, describing the efforts as impactful.
In her remarks, Adeola expressed her ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs in implementing policies and programmes under the initiative. She said the goal is to strengthen women’s economic capacity across the state.
She added that the meeting focused on improving financial literacy and business management skills of women entrepreneurs in line with programme guidelines.
Top officials at the meeting included the State Project Coordinator, Mrs Toyin Familoni; the Permanent Secretaries of the two ministries, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi and Mr Bunmi Ejimokun; as well as directors from both ministries. The meeting ended with the adoption of a joint action plan.
