ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Government and the World Bank Group have jointly invested over ₦5 billion in women-focused empowerment and livelihood initiatives over the past six years, Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed on Wednesday.
The Governor made the announcement while receiving a high-level delegation from the World Bank Group, led by its Vice President, Ms. Galina Vincelette, at his office in Abeokuta.
Boosting Financial Inclusion for Women
Governor Abiodun detailed that the substantial investment was deployed through a dual approach: the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) and the state’s domesticated empowerment scheme, Oko’Owo Dapo.
“About ₦3 billion was disbursed under the World Bank-supported initiative, while the Ogun State Government complemented it with another ₦2 billion. In total, roughly ₦5 billion has been invested in this impactful livelihood programme,” the Governor stated.
He noted that the NFWP, implemented through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), has transformed the socio-economic landscape for women across the state. “The programme has deepened financial inclusion, strengthened social cohesion, and equipped women with leadership and basic accounting skills,” Abiodun said. To sustain these gains, the state launched Oko’Owo Dapo, which has so far empowered approximately 55,000 women.
Infrastructure and Economic Reforms
Beyond women’s empowerment, the Governor highlighted the success of OGCARES (Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme), describing it as a critical intervention for household resilience and food system recovery.
He also provided updates on the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), citing progress in land administration and agriculture:
- Land Reforms: The speed of issuing Certificates of Occupancy has significantly increased.
- Rural Access: Under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), the state is upgrading about 209 kilometers of rural roads to connect farms to markets, thereby reducing transportation costs.
Power Sector Revolution
In a move to stimulate industrial growth, Governor Abiodun revealed that Ogun State would soon commission its own Electricity Distribution Company. Following constitutional amendments allowing states to manage power, Ogun is pursuing multiple Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and has established the Ogun State Electricity Board.
“Power remains the biggest enabler of economic activities. We are working with strategic partners to generate and distribute electricity within the state,” Abiodun explained, adding that the state is also constructing mini-grids to meet growing energy needs.
World Bank Reaffirms Commitment
World Bank Vice President Ms. Galina Vincelette reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to Nigeria, stating that the Bank would continue to promote public-private solutions, particularly in the electricity sector, while strengthening human capital development.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, added that the Bank is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria with a heavy emphasis on job creation.
“Nigeria currently has a $17 billion World Bank portfolio, one of the largest globally, and our support remains strong,” Verghis said. “Creating jobs is the most sustainable way to reduce poverty and raise incomes.”
