A high-level delegation from the Gates Foundation has commended the Ogun State Government for its sustained efforts in advancing women’s economic empowerment through strategic interventions across the state.
The commendation followed an experiential field visit by the delegation to assess the impact of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, a statement from the State Project Coordinating Unit indicated.
The delegation, led by Hari Menon, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division, was received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Augusta Araba, alongside officials of the State Project Coordinating Unit led by its Coordinator, Mrs Bolanle Fadairo.
Speaking during the visit, Menon expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and transformation recorded among beneficiaries, describing the initiative as impactful and sustainable.
He said, “What we have seen here is the energy and sense of possibility among the women. The programme is clearly building a strong local economic ecosystem that supports growth and shared prosperity.”
Menon further commended the collaboration between the Federal and Ogun State governments, noting that such commitment has enhanced the rapid growth and acceptance of the Women Affinity Group model.
He added, “We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote financial literacy and economic independence for women. Ogun State has demonstrated how structured interventions can deliver real impact at the grassroots.”
Also speaking, the Task Team Leader of the project, Micheal Ilesanmi, described the visit as crucial to the scale-up phase of the programme, noting that the Gates Foundation has continued to provide technical support and investment in key areas.
“Ogun was selected as a flagship state because of its strong commitment to sustainability and the enabling environment created under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he said.
In her remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Bolanle Fadairo, said the visit offered an opportunity to showcase the tangible progress made by beneficiaries of the programme.
According to her, “Women involved in the initiative have expanded their businesses and improved their livelihoods through access to financial literacy, structured group systems, and continuous government support.”
Fadairo disclosed that one of the key moments of the visit was a live demonstration by the Opeyemi Women Affinity Group, where members showcased their savings and loan processes, reflecting strong financial discipline and accountability.
She added that the delegation also toured an exhibition by the Agbeloba Livelihood Collective, where beneficiaries demonstrated their transition from traditional to mechanised garri processing, leading to increased productivity and improved income.
The visit ended with a technical session involving officials of the Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and the State Project Coordinating Unit, with discussions centred on sustaining progress, expanding financial inclusion, and attracting further investment into women-focused initiatives in the state.
