The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) in Ondo State has commenced advocacy visits to three newly participating local government areas, seeking their support and ownership for the successful implementation of the World Bank-assisted women empowerment programme.
The advocacy team, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, visited Ifedore, Owo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders ahead of the commencement of activities.
Speaking during the engagements, Osamaye said the inclusion of the three councils would expand the reach of the programme and provide more women at the grassroots with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
She disclosed that an additional 90,000 women are expected to benefit from the Scale-Up Project across participating local government areas, particularly women in rural communities who require economic support to become self-reliant.
The Commissioner called on the leadership of the newly included councils to take ownership of the programme and provide the necessary institutional and community-level support to ensure that its objectives are achieved.
She stressed the importance of collaboration among government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and women groups in ensuring that deserving beneficiaries are identified and reached.
The State Project Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Dr. Jumoke Bakare, commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for approving the extension of the programme to Ifedore, Owo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, describing the decision as a major boost to women empowerment efforts in the state.
Bakare announced that project desk offices would be established within the secretariats of the three local governments to coordinate activities and serve as links between the councils, the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) and communities.
She urged the councils to work closely with traditional rulers, women leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that information about the programme reaches women at the grassroots.
According to her, the advocacy visit represents the first phase of engagement, noting that the SPCU would continue its interaction with traditional institutions, women groups and other stakeholders within the communities.
Bakare also charged local government officials assigned to the programme to be committed, people-oriented and accessible to communities, stressing that effective grassroots participation would be critical to the success of the intervention.
Responding, the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon. Oladipupo Ajibola, assured the team of the council’s full support and expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the inclusion of the council in the programme.
In Owo, the Chairman, Hon. Tayo Omolayo, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Elder Taiwo Aladesuyi, also pledged the council’s support for the successful implementation of the programme.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government, Hon. Adebare Adebayo, welcomed the initiative and assured the SPCU of the council’s cooperation, noting the important role women play in community and societal development.
Adebayo charged officials who would be working with the SPCU to be diligent and conscientious in the discharge of their responsibilities to ensure that the intended beneficiaries derive maximum benefit from the programme.
The NFWP-SU is expected to deepen women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots by providing interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening women’s groups and promoting greater financial independence among beneficiaries.
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