The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday announced a sum of N50 million to empower women across the state, including widows and the elderly.
The governor said his administration would continue to stand firmly with the women and girls of the state by supporting aspirations, amplifying their voices and investing in their future.
Aiyedatiwa announced the donation at a meeting with various women’s groups in the state. The event was held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, the state capital.
According to the governor, N10 million of the money would be used to commence the multi-purpose cooperative society, tagged O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
He said, ‘Beyond economic interventions, this administration has also remained intentional in promoting inclusivity in governance. We have continued to expand opportunities for women in political appointments and decision-making processes, in the firm belief that no society can attain its full potential while excluding half of its population. Going forward, we shall deepen these efforts and broaden opportunities for women across all sectors.
‘To further demonstrate our commitment, I am pleased to announce that the sum of N50million only has been approved to commemorate this year’s celebration. Out of this amount, N40 million will be disbursed today as financial grants to empower our women, while the remaining N10 million will be deployed for the official launch of the O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
‘These initiatives are designed to expand access to finance, strengthen enterprise and promote sustainable livelihoods among our women. I am confident that these interventions will serve as a catalyst for economic independence and resilience, particularly in these challenging times within the global economic landscape’.
In her welcome address, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the current administration in the state had continued to prioritize policies and programmes that uplift women socially, economically, and politically.
‘Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, this Administration is doing so much to create opportunities, amplifying voices, and ensuring that no woman is left behind.
‘We can proudly recount numerous empowerment programmes and impactful initiatives implemented in the last one year which have significantly improved livelihoods, restored dignity, and strengthened the confidence of women across Ondo State to further consolidate our efforts and provide a clear roadmap for sustainable impact, the Ministry has adopted the 10 Focal Points of the O’datiwa Women Initiative Blue Print as a strategic guide for women’s development in Ondo state.
‘These Focal points are not just policies on paper, they are actionable pathways designed to ensure that every woman, regardless of age, status, or location has access to opportunities, support -systems, and the enabling environment needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our dear state’.
She expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and philanthropists whose contributions had continued to complement government efforts in advancing the cause of women in the state.
