The Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government has approved ₦50 million to support women across Ondo State, with a strong focus on widows and the elderly, in what it describes as part of broader efforts to deepen economic inclusion and social protection.
The governor announced the intervention on Tuesday during an engagement with women groups held at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure.
According to Aiyedatiwa, ₦40 million of the approved sum will be disbursed immediately as grants to support women-led economic activities, while the remaining ₦10 million will be deployed to establish the O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society, a platform designed to improve access to finance and strengthen small-scale enterprises.
“To further demonstrate our commitment, I am pleased to announce that the sum of ₦50 million only has been approved to commemorate this year’s celebration,” he said.
“Out of this amount, ₦40 million only will be disbursed today as financial grants to empower our women, while the remaining ₦10 million only will be deployed for the official launch of the O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
“These initiatives are designed to expand access to finance, strengthen enterprise and promote sustainable livelihoods among our women.”
He added that the intervention is expected to serve as a buffer against current economic pressures, noting that women remain disproportionately affected by shifts in the global economy.
“I am confident that these interventions will serve as a catalyst for economic independence and resilience, particularly in these challenging times within the global economic landscape,” the governor stated.
Beyond the financial support, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that deliberate steps have been taken to ensure women are better represented in political appointments and decision-making structures across the state.
“Beyond economic interventions, this administration has remained intentional in promoting inclusivity in governance,” he said. “We have continued to create opportunities for women in political appointments and decision-making processes.”
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, said the initiative aligns with the state’s policy direction to strengthen women’s socio-economic standing through targeted programmes.
Osamaye noted that a series of empowerment interventions implemented over the past year have contributed to improving livelihoods and restoring dignity among women across Ondo State.
“Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, this administration is doing so much to create opportunities, amplifying voices, and ensuring that no woman is left behind,” she said.
She further disclosed that the ministry has adopted the 10 Focal Points of the O’Datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint as a strategic framework to guide ongoing and future interventions.
“These focal points are not just policies on paper; they are actionable pathways designed to ensure that every woman, regardless of age, status, or location, has access to opportunities, support systems, and the enabling environment needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our dear state,” Osamaye added.
She also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders and development partners, noting that sustained collaboration will be critical to achieving long-term impact in women-focused programmes.
The intervention comes amid increasing emphasis by subnational governments on inclusive growth strategies, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups such as widows and elderly women, as economic pressures persist nationwide.
