The Ogun State Government has started releasing N6bn in financing to 3,855 women groups as part of efforts to support small businesses and improve household incomes across the state.
The funding is being provided under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up through the Community Investment Fund, with support from the Federal Government and the World Bank.
The beneficiaries are spread across four local government areas, with the scheme designed to help women expand existing businesses, establish new ventures and strengthen their financial independence.
The disbursement was flagged off in Ijebu-Ode, where Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, said the initiative was intended to move beneficiaries beyond subsistence-level economic activities.
He said participating Women Affinity Groups had met several conditions, including regular savings, internal lending, bank account ownership and the preparation of business plans.
The governor disclosed that members of the groups had accumulated N2.6bn in savings within seven months, while more than N4bn had been accessed through loans.
Abiodun explained that the N6bn was not a cash grant but a revolving facility that would provide funding for businesses, employment opportunities and improved family welfare.
He noted that Ogun’s participation in the Nigeria for Women Project dates back to 2020, adding that the programme had since expanded considerably across the state.
Under the earlier phase, 3,792 women groups were established across 1,003 communities, while 67,094 women received individual grants in 2022.
The governor said the Scale-Up phase currently covers seven local government areas and has produced 5,394 Women Affinity Groups, with 124,062 women reached as of September 21, 2026.
He added that the programme had extended to 3,489 communities and involved 664 trained ward facilitators.
Beyond financing, the scheme provides beneficiaries with training in savings, financial management, entrepreneurship, responsible borrowing and other skills aimed at improving their economic resilience.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented at the event, described the programme as an important intervention for expanding women’s participation in the economy.
World Bank Task Team Manager, Michael Ilesanmi, said the initiative was helping to reduce financial barriers faced by women while improving their ability to withstand economic difficulties.
Some beneficiaries expressed optimism that the financing would enable them to grow their businesses, increase their income and improve the welfare of their families.
