Ogun State has kicked off the disbursement of a colossal N6 billion through its Community Investment Fund, specifically targeting 3,855 women affinity groups across four local government areas. This massive injection of cash is part of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, a joint effort with the Federal Government and the World Bank. Its aim is to give women's businesses a serious boost and improve household finances.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented at the flag-off in Ijebu-Ode by the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, stated that the goal is simple. He wants to help women move beyond just getting by to building solid, lasting businesses. He emphasized that this isn't just about handing out money; it's about building financial discipline, trust, and readiness. The beneficiary groups have already shown they mean business. They've collectively saved N2.6 billion in just seven months and accessed over N4 billion in loans through their groups.
This N6 billion isn't a handout. It's a revolving financing facility. This means the money is meant to be used to start or expand businesses, create jobs, and generally make life better for families. It’s a continuation of the Nigeria for Women Project, which started back in December 2020. That project itself was an offshoot of an agreement between the World Bank and the Federal Government signed in 2018.
The initial phase of the parent project had already set up 3,792 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) in Odeda, Ikenne, Ijebu North-East, and Yewa North Local Government Areas. Back in April 2022, over 67,000 women benefited from individual grants. Now, the Scale-Up phase is reaching even wider. It's extending to seven local government areas: Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Abeokuta North, Ipokia, and Remo North.
As of September 21, 2026, the Scale-Up has formed 5,394 new WAGs, bringing the total reach to a staggering 124,062 women. The programme has touched 3,489 communities. Furthermore, 664 ward facilitators have been trained to guide the process. About 26 states have come to Ogun to study their model, and the World Bank itself has adopted the state as a training hub.
The WAG model is built to create well-rounded individuals, not just provide financial support. It includes financial literacy training, teaching responsible borrowing, and building collective accountability. It also offers business and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, it tackles gender awareness and life skills. Beneficiaries are also being connected with opportunities in health insurance, climate adaptation, strategic partnerships, and obtaining their National Identification Number (NIN).
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Management, Jummaih Idonije, called the initiative a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. She highlighted that empowering women economically is fundamental to developing the nation. She commended Ogun State for leading the charge and urged beneficiaries to be exemplary.
Michael Ilesanmi, the World Bank Task Team Manager, noted that the programme is crucial for closing the financial access gap for women. This makes them more resilient against economic shocks. The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dapo Okubadejo, also affirmed the intervention's importance.