KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HER EXCELLENCY, ENGR. NOIMOT SALAKO-OYEDELE
KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HER EXCELLENCY, ENGR. NOIMOT SALAKO-OYEDELE, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, AT THE FLAG-OFF AND HANDING OVER OF COLLECTIVE GROUPS/HUBS TO THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, THURSDAY, 5TH DECEMBER 2024
Protocols
It is an honor and privilege to address you today as we celebrate a significant step forward in the empowerment of women in Ogun State. This event—the Flag-off and Handing Over of Collective Groups and Hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development—is not merely an administrative milestone; it is a reaffirmation of our administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing the inclusion, upliftment, and success of women across our State.
Acknowledgment of Partners and Stakeholders
First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for selecting Ogun State to implement the World Bank-supported Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) in the Southwest.
A Bittersweet Milestone
Today is a bittersweet day as we mark both the culmination of a remarkable journey and the beginning of a new chapter. The Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP), a $15 million World Bank-funded initiative spanning five years, officially winds down today. While the project comes to an end, its legacy lives on as we hand over our collectives and hubs to the Ministry of Women Affairs for continued monitoring and sustainability.
I acknowledge the unflinching support of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, MFR, whose leadership and vision have provided the Ogun State Project Coordinating Unit of the NFWP with the resources and backing necessary for its success. I equally appreciate the dedication of the State Steering Committee including the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Adijat Adeleye and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment.
I must take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo, the State Project Coordinator and her committed and hardworking team, whose unwavering commitment and ownership of the project propelled Ogun State to become the Prime Mover State in the Nigeria For Women Project. Under her stewardship, Ogun State’s success has not only set a benchmark but also generated significant interest from other states across the federation. This unprecedented success has led to the scaling up of the project across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, a true testament to the impact of collaborative and focused efforts.
I also seize this opportunity to acknowledge all our HE or SHE heroes who have made it possible for our women to be part of this live changing project. These include Kabiyesis, Baales, Religious leaders, community leaders and husbands who overcame their cultural and religious biases and supported the women to be NFWP beneficiaries.
Progress in Women Empowerment
In Ogun State, we recognize the indispensable role of women as not only caregivers but also as drivers of economic growth and community transformation. The NFWP has formed 3,792 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) with 67,093 women across Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North, and Ikenne Local Government Areas. These women have undergone comprehensive training in business skills, financial education, gender awareness, and life skills, equipping them to overcome gender-based challenges and embrace modern entrepreneurial practices.
To further remove barriers limiting women’s economic participation, the State Government disbursed ₦3.08 billion in individual livelihood grants to 54,567 women on April 1, 2022. These funds have enabled women to start or expand businesses in agriculture and other sectors, significantly contributing to Ogun State’s GDP and creating a ripple effect of socioeconomic growth.
The success of the NFWP became the inspiration for the fulfilment of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s manifesto pledge to provide empowerment for women traders. Under the Okowo Dapo programme, over 100,000 additional women benefited from a similar programme across all the 20 Local Government Areas in Ogun State.
Listening to the testimonials from our Women has been heartwarming and further validates the impact of this project on the lives of our women. Congratulations to all of us.
Collective Groups and Hubs: A New Chapter
Under my leadership as Chairperson of the State Steering Committee for the NFWP, we have established 61 Collective Groups, comprising 11,435 WAG members engaged in agricultural and non-agricultural value chains across Ijebu North-East, Odeda, and Yewa North.
Today, we proudly hand over 61 Collective Groups and Hubs, including:
•2 Rice Processing Hubs,
•5 Maize Storage and Marketing Hubs,
•38 Cassava Processing Hubs,
•7 Cassava/Maize Production Hubs, and
•9 Tailoring Hubs.
We trust the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will continue to support these hubs with the same passion and dedication that has driven this project from inception.
Call to Action
To the women leading these collective groups, I encourage you to maximize this opportunity and ensure the judicious use of the resources provided for the operations of these hubs. Remember, when women succeed, families, communities, and indeed society at large, thrive.
TRANSLATE
Conclusion
As we reflect on today’s milestone, let us remain united in our efforts to empower women as catalysts for sustainable development. I look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of these initiatives in the days and years ahead.
Thank you for your attention.
God bless Ogun State.
God bless Nigeria.
We Are! For Women!
Women Elevate!
