Ekiti kicks off Nigeria for Women Programme -Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) initiative

In a significant step towards enhancing gender equity, boosting economic empowerment and financial inclusion, the Ekiti State Government has commenced the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) activities, a World Bank supported transformative project designed to create sustainable economic opportunities for women across the state.

Speaking on the commencement of the programme in Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, described the initiative as a critical intervention by the Governor Abayomi Oyebanji Administration for inclusive human capital development.

She disclosed that the programme will kick off in the three Local Government Areas of Efon, Moba, and Gbonyin/Ayekire of the State.

“This programme represents a significant step in empowering women economically at the grassroots level. The administration’s investment in the programme is a testament to its commitment to improving women’s livelihood and economic independence.

The vision of the Programme is to engender an inclusive and economically vibrant society where women are empowered to thrive “, Babafemi stated.

The Commissioner noted that the programme will foster teamwork, enhance savings culture, build social cohesion, and ultimately improve the quality of life for women and their families.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji for her invaluable roles in the Programme implementation in Ekiti State.

Babafemi encouraged women to take full advantage of the programme by forming the Women Affinity Groups (WAG) and adhering to the guidelines.

In preparation for the commencement of the programme, the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU), led by the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Toyin Familoni, carried out initial community engagements and courtesy visits to key local stakeholders in Efon, including traditional rulers, chiefs, the local government chairman and top council officials.

Speaking at the different fora, Mrs. Familoni explained that the visits was part of strategies designed to seek community buy-in and create an enabling environment for effective implementation.

She highlighted the commencement of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Exercise at Efon as a crucial milestone in understanding local needs and tailoring interventions to community-specific realities.

The State Project Coordinator

noted that the PRA activities involved stakeholder mapping, community sensitization, and identification of ward facilitators(WFs), all of which were geared toward maximising the programme’s impact.

She stated that the World Bank-assisted programme aims to improve women’s livelihoods in financial literacy, savings culture, and access to finance through the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs).

Familoni said reactions from community leaders and stakeholders in Efon which is first of the three pilot Local Government Areas for the implementation have been overwhelmingly positive, with widespread optimism that the NFWP-SU would bring about lasting change and improved livelihoods for the women.

While stressing that the State Government us fully committed to ensuring the success of the Nigeria for Women Programme , the Project Coordinator noted that the implementation of the Programme will soon expand to the other pilot Local Government Areas of Moba and Ayekire LGAs.

NFWP-SU is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in partnership with the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and supported by the World Bank.

It is part of a broader national strategy to tackle gender inequality and reduce poverty through women’s economic empowerment.