Precious Williams (Corper)
The Ogun State Government on Tuesday organized training workshop for 150 newly engaged ward facilitators on the Women Empowerment Scheme, known as Okoowo Dapo, a training said to be the ignition point of a new chapter in grassroots transformation.
Penpushing reports that Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Hon Adijat Adeleye in her keynote address said if the participants can mobilize their colleagues with the same energy they brought to the training, Ogun State won’t just empower women, but would have to open a Ministry of Success Registration!
The Commissioner emphasised that the crucial of the training workshop was not just a gathering but it is the ignition point of a new chapter in grassroots and stand on the edge of meaningful impact, equipping a fresh cohort of passionate facilitators with the tools to drive change, lift households, rewrite the narrative for women across the state.
‘Since its inception in 2022, the Ogun State Women Empowerment Scheme (Oko’owo Dapo) has stood as a model to what is possible when leadership meets purpose’, Adeleye stated.
‘Under the visionary direction of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the State Government has continuously demonstrated that women’s empowerment is not just a slogan, but a strategic pillar of development’, Adeleye stated
‘Through this initiative, we have extended hands of hope and tools for self-reliance to thousands of women across our 20 Local Government Areas, unlocking opportunities that have turned humble ideas into thriving enterprises’, she said.
Penpushing further reports that Adeleye explained that the Ogun State Women Empowerment Scheme (Okoowo Dapo) was conceived as a strategic social intervention designed to stimulate women’s participation in economic activities by providing them with the necessary financial support, capacity building, and entrepreneurial opportunities to improve their livelihoods and that of their families.
‘It is no longer news that when women are empowered, communities prosper, households thrive, and the larger society becomes stronger and more resilient’, the commissioner stated
Penpushing also reports that she said during the first and the second phase of the project, a total of 430 Ward Facilitators were engaged to form and strengthen Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across our communities.
‘They successfully formed 1,616 WAGs which comprise of 33,530 women beneficiaries. The 33,530 women beneficiaries were exposed to training and re-training programs on Financial Education, Business Skill and Gender and life skill. Testimonials abound across the State on how the project has transformed the means of livelihood of our women and their entire household’.
Penpushing reports that Adeleye explained that the approval of the third phase of the project by Governor Dapo Abiodun, demonstrated the unflinching readiness of the present administration in the state to enhance women participation in economic activities in order to improve their means of livelihood.
‘This training workshop marks another significant milestone in the continuous implementation of the scheme. The 150 newly engaged Ward Facilitators gathered here today are expected to meet the target of formation of 770 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) which will comprise of 20,000 women beneficiaries across the Gateway State within the project time frame’.
Penpushing further reports that she encouraged participants to know that it is, therefore, important that they approach this responsibility with dedication, sincerity, and a clear understanding of the scheme’s objectives.
‘Through this training, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively mobilize, engage, and support women in your respective communities. You will also learn the principles of financial inclusion, entrepreneurial development, record keeping, and proper reporting, all of which are crucial to the success of this programme’.
Penpushing also reports that Adeleye appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the course of lifting more women out of the poverty line and supporting an improved livelihood their household.
The Commissioner assured that her Ministry remains fully committed to supporting participants in the field and ensuring that the scheme continues to grow in scope and scale, and that no woman is invisible, and no dream is out of reach.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
