The Ogun government says it has disbursed over N536,480,000 as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses in the state.
According to the government, this was done through the Oko’WoDapo Scheme, an initiative which focuses on transforming the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in Ogun.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, during the 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration, organized by the ministry and held in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Adeleye added that the ministry also empowered 50 out of 350 trainees from the Women Development Centre during the 2024 Batch A and B graduation, providing them with starter kits to help them establish their businesses.
She noted that the gesture among others is a testament of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to create avenues for women’s growth and an inclusive environment where women can thrive.
“Our skill acquisition programs have equipped over Five Thousand (5,000) women in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, ensuring that they gain not just skills but financial independence.
“ Our efforts didn’t stop there—the Ministry empowered additional Fifty (50) out of Three Hundred and Fifty (350) trainees from the Women Development Centre during the 2024 Batch A and B graduation, providing them with starter kits to help them establish their businesses. Furthermore, during the 2024 International Women’s Day, Fifty (50) more women across the State received empowerment equipment, giving them the tools needed to thrive in their respective fields.
“Another groundbreaking achievement is the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, which continues to transform the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in Ogun State. So far, we have facilitated the formation of One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the Twenty (20) Local Government Areas (LGAs). Through these coordinated groups, Thirty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty (33,530) women have been mobilized and registered, and the State Government has disbursed over Five Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Four Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira Only (₦536,480,000.00) as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses.
“The impact of these interventions is evident, as the WAGs have collectively saved over ₦1.72 Billion Naira, demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment, and resilience of Ogun State women. In clear terms, the Oko’WoDapo initiative is not just about loans—it is about building sustainable businesses and fostering a new generation of financially empowered women,” the commissioner said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action’, Adeleye urged women to never undervalue the strength of their voices, hands;and influence and to continue pushing boundaries, shattering barriers, and setting new records.
She said, “As we accelerate action together, we must recognize that our progress is not the result of individual efforts alone, but the power of collective determination. As we celebrate this special International Women’s Day, let us remember that empowering women is not an act of charity, it is an investment in a better society.
“To the incredible women here today, never underestimate the power of your voice, your hands, and your influence. Keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and setting new records!”
In her keynote address, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the year’s theme is a reminder that progress cannot be achieved in isolation.
She urged women to be deliberate about working together across professions, generations and political divides to build a strong and united front that amplifies their collective voice.
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