Minister launches Women Empowerment Programme in Ogun state

Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Tuesday launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Empowerment Programme in Ogun State.

Penpushing reports that the programme was officially flagged off during her working visit to the SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Centre and Women Development Centre in Asero, Abeokuta.

The project under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) is aimed at supporting vulnerable women through direct financial assistance, vocational training, and social protection services.

Penpushing further reports that the Minister in a symbolic show of support, distributed bags of rice and a N2 million grant to beneficiaries, encouraging women across the state to take full advantage of what she described as a season of opportunity under Governor Dapo Abiodun Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister addressing a gathering of stakeholders, beneficiaries, and dignitaries, affirmed that the Nigerian Government was increasing investment in women-focused programmes across all levels.

Penpushing also reports that she pointed out that Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun is not a leader who gives hand-downs, but gives hand ups, disclosing that budgets are increasing and allocating domestic resources to the development of families.

‘Governor Dapo Abiodun is not a leader who gives hand-downs he gives hand-ups, she said. Our budgets are increasing, and we’re allocating domestic resources to the development of women and families’, she stated.

Penpushing reports that Ibrahim urged Nigerian women to rise to the moment by becoming entrepreneurs, innovators, and protectors of their families, warning particularly against child trafficking.

“Let’s hold our daughters close. Don’t let anyone take them out under false pretenses. There are opportunities here in Nigeria,” she said.

The Minister said the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774, launched, is a national strategy aimed at delivering direct social and economic support across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. It focuses on vulnerable women, children, and families through integrated empowerment and protection programmes.

‘Ogun State is one of the few states actively aligning state-led initiatives, like OGSTEP, with federal programmes to accelerate women’s empowerment and gender equity’, she stated

‘’With projects such as the SAFE Centre, Women Development Centre, and grassroots vocational schemes, the state continues to set a precedent in integrating healing, skill acquisition, and economic reintegration for women’.

Penpushing further reports that Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Moturayo Adijat Adeleye, in her remarks explained the strategic siting of the SAFE Centre alongside the Women Development Centre.

“Survivors enter the SAFE Centre in pain, but they don’t remain defined by it. Just steps away, they can learn skills, regain their dignity, and rebuild their lives,” Adeleye said

Penpushing also reports that the commissioner outlined available training in high-demand sectors including catering, tailoring, beauty services, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, emphasized the state’s ongoing efforts through the Dapo Empowerment Model and the Nigeria for Women Project, aimed at improving the economic standing of women, especially in rural areas.

The Commissioner pointed out that despite notable progress, equally called on the Nigerian Government for increased support in the areas of funding, policy implementation, and grassroots awareness.

“Our women are eager, and our communities are committed. But we need more resources to ensure no survivor is left behind,” she said.

Penpushing reports the first lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, praised the resilience and innovation of Nigerian women, calling them “exceptional and capable of leading Nigeria’s transformation.”

Meanwhile, other notable personalities at the event include Hon. Mrs. Olufunmilayo Efunwape  (Commissioner for Special Duties), Dr. Mary Alile Idele (All Progressives Congress National Women Leader), and Hon. Mrs. Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi (Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly), among others.

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