Ekiti State on Tuesday launched the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a joint initiative with the Federal Government and the World Bank targeting women’s financial inclusion and enterprise growth.
The launch at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti included the disbursement of Community Investment Funds (CIF) to Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state. Beneficiaries received dummy cheques ranging from ₦1.2 million to ₦1.6 million for business expansion and community development.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Empowering women strengthens families, keeps children in school, and fosters community prosperity,” she said.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji thanked the Federal Government and World Bank for selecting Ekiti, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely. He pledged continued state support to sustain the programme.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Pastor Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, said about 1,500 women from several local government areas will benefit in the first phase. The governor’s wife, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to women, widows, traders, and the girl-child.
World Bank Task Team Manager Michael Ilesanmi said the project will improve women’s access to finance and boost economic productivity. Beneficiaries described the intervention as transformative.
The event was attended by state officials, traditional rulers, and hundreds of women beneficiaries.
