The Ogun State government has announced the distribution of over N536 million in revolving grants aimed at boosting women-owned businesses within the state.
The funding initiative is part of the Oko’WoDapo Scheme, specifically created to enhance the financial environment for female entrepreneurs across Ogun.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, revealed this during the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day held on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Adeleye highlighted that the ministry had also supported 50 graduates from the Women Development Centre’s 2024 Batch A and B training programs by providing starter kits necessary for launching their businesses.
She emphasized that the current administration, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, remains dedicated to fostering opportunities for women’s growth and promoting an inclusive environment for them to succeed.
“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.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action’, Adeleye encouraged women to leverage their collective strength and influence to continually challenge limitations and achieve groundbreaking results.
“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!”
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in her keynote speech, emphasized that meaningful progress depends on collaboration and unity among women across all sectors and backgrounds.
