Over 83,000 Women Benefit as Ogun Registers More Than 3,000 Affinity Groups

The Ogun State Government says it has registered 3,486 Women Affinity Groups and reached about 83,664 women with empowerment support under a World Bank-assisted programme.

Augusta Araba, Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Women Affairs, made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of project champions in four local government areas: Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo, Ijebu Ode, and Sagamu. She added that the state is targeting a total of 4,000 women’s groups under the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Araba described the inauguration as a major step towards giving unbanked women more economic opportunities. According to her, the programme, which began in June 2023, has continued to improve the state’s socio-economic landscape through financial inclusion, enterprise development, and community engagement.

She praised the project champions for their hard work and grassroots mobilisation, noting that their efforts have helped train 440 ward facilitators in financial literacy, digital skills, and business development.

The State Project Coordinator, Bolanle Fadairo, called on the champions to remain disciplined and committed, warning against any behaviour that could hurt the programme’s credibility. She urged them to put community welfare above personal gain.

Rasheed Ajibade, Head of Operations, recalled the pilot phase carried out between 2020 and 2023 in Odeda, Ijebu North East, Yewa North, and Ikenne local government areas. He encouraged the champions to build on those achievements through stronger community engagement.

Behaviour Change Communication Adviser Taiwo Fredrick also stressed that the programme’s long-term success depends largely on the champions, whose duties include field monitoring, advocacy, promoting women’s groups, and advancing financial inclusion.