The Ekiti State Government has officially kicked off the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for women, starting with three local government areas. The program represents a major milestone in advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the official launch, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, described the initiative as a bold commitment by Governor Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to improve women’s livelihoods and economic independence.
“This program represents a significant step in empowering women economically at the grassroots level. The administration’s investment in the program is a testament to its commitment to improving women’s livelihood and economic independence. The vision of the program is to engender an inclusive and economically vibrant society where women are empowered to thrive,” Babafemi stated.
The program’s first phase will be implemented in Efon, Moba, and Gbonyin/Ayekire LGAs, with expansion planned as the initiative progresses. The NFWP-SU is designed to encourage teamwork, promote financial literacy, strengthen women’s savings culture, and build social cohesion among rural women. It also aims to raise the overall quality of life for women and their families.
Babafemi also acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, in supporting the program’s rollout across the state, and urged women to participate actively by forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and adhering to program guidelines.
To facilitate successful implementation, the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU), led by State Project Coordinator Mrs. Toyin Familoni, began stakeholder engagement in Efon LGA. The team paid courtesy visits to local traditional rulers, chiefs, the LGA chairman, and other council officials as part of early groundwork.
Familoni noted, “The visits were part of strategies designed to seek community buy-in and create an enabling environment for effective implementation.”
She further announced the commencement of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Exercise, which includes stakeholder mapping, sensitization campaigns, and the identification of ward facilitators. “These are crucial steps to ensure that the intervention fits the actual requirements of the women in the community and achieves maximum impact,” she said.
The program also aims to provide access to finance through structured group formations, helping participants build financial literacy and economic resilience. According to Familoni, the response from Efon stakeholders has been highly encouraging, with many leaders optimistic about the program’s potential to transform the socio-economic landscape for women.
“Reactions from community leaders and stakeholders in Efon have been very encouraging. There is a strong sense of optimism that the Nigeria for Women Programme will truly bring about long-term benefits for the women involved,” she added.
She confirmed that implementation in Moba and Ayekire LGAs will begin soon as part of the first-phase rollout.
The Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Ekiti State is a joint effort by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the World Bank, aimed at reducing poverty and gender inequality through economic empowerment.
