Ogun state government establishes 3 additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres, disburses ₦536 million grants to support women-owned businesses

The Ogun State Government has established three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) located in Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta, as well as disbursed over ₦536,480,000.00 as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses

Penpushing reports that, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye made this known in her welcome speech at the 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration on Thursday held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

The Commissioner explained that the establishment of the centres under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) are geared towards providing lifesaving support to survivors, breaking the barriers of distance and ensuring that critical cases are reported within the vital 72-hour window.

Penpushing further reports that Adeleye at the well-attended and packaged ceremony added that the gathering was not just to reflect on how far the Ministry has come, but to push forward, because, the theme for this year’s celebration says: “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action.”

‘Let me assure you, we are not late—we are simply making a statement! While the rest of the world squeezed all the power, resilience, and brilliance of women into a single day, here in Ogun State, we refuse to be rushed!’, she stated

‘We believe women’s impact is too grand for just 24 hours of recognition, so we took our time to elevate, expand, and enhance the grand celebration. Because when we celebrate women, we do it boldly, brilliantly, and with lasting impact —not just marking a date, but setting a standard’, Adeleye added.

Penpushing also reports that she explained that over the past year, the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has worked tirelessly to create avenues for women’s growth, security, and economic empowerment.

The Commissioner boasted that the Ministry’s resolve to foster an inclusive environment where women can thrive has yielded remarkable results, and equally shared some of the major milestones at the event.

Penpushing reports that she disclosed that one of the significant strides in the past year is the launch of two Gender Based Violence (GBV) Toll-Free Lines, ensuring that women, girls, and anyone facing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can seek help without worrying about call credit.

The Commissioner explained that beyond just response services, the Ogun State Government has taken a proactive approach to preventing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promoting women’s empowerment.

Penpushing further reports that Adeleye disclosed that attached to each of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are Safe Shelters, offering temporary accommodation for survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual abuse, ensuring they have a secure place to heal and rebuild their lives.

‘But we are not stopping there—under the Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, we are constructing two International Standard Women Development Centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, where women and young girls will receive training in vocational and life-enhancing skills’, she said.

Penpushing also reports that Adeleye emphasized that through these initiatives, Ogun State Government is not just protecting women; but in addition, empowering them to shape their futures.

‘The Ministry has taken bold steps to challenge gender-based stereotypes and economic exclusion. We have organized community sensitization campaigns to challenge societal norms that hinder women’s progress, sparking conversations that promote shared responsibilities in homes, workplaces, and communities.

‘Additionally, our skill acquisition programs have equipped over 5,000 women in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, ensuring that they gain not just skills but financial independence’.

Penpushing reports that Adeleye stated that the efforts didn’t stop there, adding that the Ministry empowered additional 50 out of 350 trainees from the Women Development Centre during the 2024 Batch A and B graduation, providing them with starter kits to help them establish their businesses.

‘Furthermore, during the 2024 International Women’s Day, (50) more women across the State received empowerment equipment, giving them the tools needed to thrive in their respective fields’.

The Commissioner disclosed that another groundbreaking achievement is the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, which continues to transform the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in Ogun State.

‘So far, we have facilitated the formation of 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the 20 Local Government Areas. Through these coordinated groups, 33,530 women have been mobilized and registered, and the State Government has disbursed over ₦536,480,000.00 as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses’

‘The impact of these interventions is evident, as the WAGs have collectively saved over ₦1.72 Billion Naira, demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment, and resilience of Ogun State women’.

‘In clear terms, the Oko’Wo Dapo initiative is not just about loans—it is about building sustainable businesses and fostering a new generation of financially empowered women’, she stated.

‘While these achievements are truly commendable, we must acknowledge that the journey toward gender equality and women’s empowerment is far from complete. There is no room for complacency, and we cannot afford to slow down’.

‘As we accelerate action together, we must recognize that our progress is not the result of individual efforts alone, but the power of collective determination. In this regard, we deeply appreciate and commend our partners—NGOs, community organizations, international agencies, and the private sector—whose unwavering support has amplified our impact and strengthened our advocacy’.

‘To sustain this momentum, the State Government, through our Ministry, remains fully committed to fostering collaborations with civil society groups, corporate organizations, and all stakeholders, ensuring that no woman is left behind’.

‘Additionally, we will continue to prioritize capacity-building programmes for all cadres of staff, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. By exposing our workforce to global best practices, emerging trends, and cutting-edge initiatives in women’s empowerment and protection, we will further strengthen our ability to implement innovative, sustainable solutions that uplift and safeguard women across our dear Gateway State’.

Penpushing further reports that she pointed that it should be noted by all stakeholders that empowering woman is not an act of charity, but an investment in a better society, hence, need to be mindful that when we uplift a woman, we uplift a family, a community, and an entire Nation.

The Commissioner while appreciating men supporting the course of women, however, challenged them to not only stand with them but to lead by example by embracing the truth that gender equality transcends women’s issues.

‘It is the backbone of a thriving society. Your proactive engagement, encouragement, and partnership are crucial for transforming our communities into pleasant spaces of shared opportunity and respect’, Adeleye stressed.

Penpushing also reports that the ceremony equally featured health talk by the Society for Family Planning, presentation of movie which focused on plight of women, as well as presentation of empowerment equipment to support women traders and artisans

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