Ekiti State has commenced the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP-Scale Up) in Efon Alaaye, marking a new step toward strengthening women’s economic participation through a World Bank–supported initiative focused on entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods for grassroots women.
The programme was formally introduced during a stakeholders engagement held in Efon Alaaye, where the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, explained that the project is designed to institutionalise Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms that support women’s economic empowerment, while also expanding opportunities for women who are currently unbanked.
Babafemi stated that the programme would be implemented in three local government areas, namely Efon, Gbonyin/Ayekire and Moba, stressing that the initiative is strictly non-partisan and open to women across all political affiliations. According to her, the Nigeria for Women Programme belongs to women and is focused on improving their lives, regardless of political background.
She further disclosed that the initiative is jointly funded by the Ekiti State Government and the World Bank, describing women’s empowerment as a strategic investment in national development. “Empowering women is as good as empowering the entire nation. This programme is not about politics; it is about improving lives and strengthening our economy from the grassroots,” Babafemi said.
The commissioner explained that beneficiaries would be organised into Women Affinity Groups, described as small clusters of like-minded entrepreneurial or business women aged 18 years and above. She noted that members of each group would meet weekly and contribute savings at an affordable level, adding that the groups would receive structured training and access to the Community Investment Fund to support their business activities.
Babafemi added that the core objective of the programme is to improve economic opportunities for grassroots women and build sustainable livelihoods. She said the success of the initiative in the selected local governments would pave the way for its expansion to other parts of the state, allowing more women to benefit from similar interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Wife of the Governor, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, reiterated the First Lady’s strong commitment to women’s development and her support for the successful implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme in Ekiti State.
Dr Fasanmi said the First Lady is deeply committed to the programme because of its wide-ranging socio-economic benefits, urging women leaders at all levels to mobilise women of like minds to fully participate. She assured participants that the Wife of the Governor would continue to provide support to ensure the programme achieves its intended outcomes.
In her remarks, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator for the programme, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme has already been implemented across the six geo-political zones of the country, with Ogun State representing the South-West during the maiden phase. She described Ekiti State’s inclusion in the scale-up phase as a significant opportunity for women in the state.
Familoni urged beneficiaries to show full commitment to the programme, stating that the combined efforts of the Ekiti State Government and the World Bank would only yield lasting results if participants remain dedicated. She disclosed that about 34 states have keyed into the programme nationwide, adding that extensive sensitisation had been carried out in Efon Alaaye through meetings with traditional rulers and key stakeholders.
According to her, each participating local government has been given a target of 1,200 Women Affinity Groups, with a minimum of 20 women per group. “The level of commitment shown by participants will determine how much they benefit from the programme,” she said.
Providing further insights, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, who represented the Ogun State Project Coordinator, reiterated that the initiative has no political undertone and is open to all businesswomen in Efon Alaaye who meet the age requirement. She said the programme offers women access to low-interest loans, protecting them from exploitative and high-interest credit sources.
Asoro explained that the scheme is designed to be transparent and accountable, while also offering business management training, financial support and access to equipment. She added that the intervention would be implemented in three phases, during which beneficiaries would receive training on effective financial management and business growth strategies.
She stressed the importance of discipline, sincerity and collective responsibility among group members, noting that the success of each Women Affinity Group depends on trust and cooperation. Also speaking at the event, the Director-General and Senior Special Assistant, Office of Transformation Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo, alongside the Obanla of Efon Alaaye and High Chief Olawole Oni, urged women in the local government to ensure the required number of participants is met.
They emphasised that full participation would position Efon Alaaye as a model for other local governments in Ekiti State. In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, congratulated Efon Local Government on being selected as a beneficiary of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of women in Efon Alaaye, Chief Mrs Ronke Okusanya highlighted the importance of economic empowerment, while stressing that the success of the initiative depends largely on strong commitment from all stakeholders. She called on women across the local government to embrace the programme fully.
“We are determined to take full advantage of this opportunity. Women in Efon Local Government are ready and committed,” she said. Okusanya added that the expected number of participants would be completed before the second of next month, in line with the programme’s timeline.
The event attracted community leaders and representatives of non-governmental organisations, including New Generation for Girls and Women Development Initiatives, represented by Mrs Bimbo Aladejare, and Balm of Gilead Foundation, represented by Mr Nelson Akelere. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief Whip of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Efon Alaaye, Hon. Bose Olowokere, the Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa, the Chairman of Efon Local Government, Hon. Segun Afolabi, the Director of the WAOH Project, Dr Mrs Dairo, and the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, represented by Olori Roseline Aladejare, among others.
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