Daud Olatunji
The Ogun State Government has flagged off the third phase of its flagship women empowerment programme, Oko’owo Dapo, with the onboarding of 150 newly engaged Ward Facilitators tasked with mobilising and mentoring 20,000 women across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The initiative, which is under the supervision of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, was launched during a training workshop held in Abeokuta.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, described the workshop as the “ignition point of a new chapter in grassroots transformation,” while commending the facilitators for their passion and dedication.
“If each of you mobilises women with the same energy you brought to this training, Ogun won’t just empower women—we’ll need to open a Ministry of Success Registration,” Adeleye said.
She noted that the Oko’owo Dapo scheme has evolved into a strategic vehicle for poverty alleviation and inclusive growth since its inception in 2022.
The Commissioner noted that during the first and second phases, 430 facilitators were engaged to form 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), comprising 33,530 women who were trained in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, life skills, and gender awareness.
“Today, as we commence this third phase, the 150 facilitators are expected to form an additional 770 WAGs, reaching another 20,000 women with financial support and entrepreneurial training,” she said.
According to her, the programme is more than a social intervention—it is a deliberate attempt by the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to reposition women as economic players in the development of the state.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, also reaffirmed the importance of the facilitators’ roles as community liaisons, trainers, data collectors, and mentors.
“You will act as the direct interface between government and the grassroots. Your responsibility is not only to mobilise women but to guide them, respond to their needs—including gender-based violence referrals—and track their progress,” she said.
She outlined the facilitators’ duties, which include forming and strengthening WAGs, conducting trainings, mentoring women, collecting routine project data, and participating in evaluations.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the need for diligence, accurate reporting, and dedication to the scheme’s goals, adding that the state government’s investment in women is already yielding results across several communities.
Both officials praised Governor Dapo Abiodun and Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele for sustaining and expanding the initiative, calling it a clear reflection of the state’s commitment to lifting women and families out of poverty.
The Oko’owo Dapo scheme provides revolving loans, skill acquisition training, and capacity development to improve financial independence for women, particularly in underserved communities.
The workshop is expected to equip the new facilitators with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure the programme’s continued success and sustainability.
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