The Ogun State Government has registered 1,629 women groups under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up to help women improve their businesses, strengthen savings, and become more financially independent.
The groups, known as Women Affinity Groups, were formed across different communities to give women a platform to support one another, build small businesses, and access financial knowledge that can improve their livelihoods.
According to the State Project Coordinator, Bolanle Fadairo, the groups were created through coordinated community engagement and monitoring efforts aimed at ensuring women benefit directly from the programme.
She explained that the groups are already active in key local government areas in the state.
“Through real-time data monitoring, 852 Women Affinity Groups have been formed in Ijebu-Ode, while 777 groups have been established in Ado-Odo/Ota, bringing the total to 1,629 groups,” Fadairo said.
She noted that the programme is designed to help women grow their small businesses, develop savings habits, and build stronger financial security within their households and communities.
“These figures are a result of the dedication of field officers and the growing acceptance of the World Bank-sponsored programme among women,” she added.
Fadairo also explained that the programme encourages women to organise themselves into structured groups where members can save money regularly, support one another’s businesses, and gain access to financial training.
To ensure proper coordination, the state government has been holding review sessions with field officers and facilitators working with the women groups across participating communities.
“These review sessions were designed to assess progress, correct identified gaps in meeting procedures and record-keeping, and ensure strict adherence to operational guidelines,” Fadairo stated.
She added that facilitators have been encouraged to promote a strong savings culture among members and ensure accurate documentation of group activities.
“We are here to encourage facilitators to promote a savings culture among members, ensure proper documentation, particularly passbook management, and maximise the use of the programme’s toll-free line for support and feedback,” she said.
Fadairo further explained that technology tools are being used to monitor the programme in real time, track group activities, and ensure that women participating in the initiative continue to benefit from financial support, business guidance, and improved economic opportunities.
