The Ekiti State Government has officially launched the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a collaborative initiative of the Federal Government and the World Bank aimed at promoting women’s financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and enterprise development.

The launching   held in Ado-Ekiti was done to flag off  the disbursement of Community Investment Funds (CIF) to Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state. Beneficiary groups received cheques ranging from ₦1.2 million to ₦1.6 million to support business expansion and income-generating activities. 

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the programme as a strategic intervention aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that empowering women economically remains critical to national development.

According to her, “When women are empowered, families become stronger, children remain in school, and communities experience greater prosperity and stability.”

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the World Bank for extending the programme to the state. He urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds to ensure sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods. 

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the welfare and economic well-being of women across the state. He promised to extend the project to all LGAs no matter the cost.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, disclosed that over 2800 women would benefit from the first batch of the disbursement.

Also speaking, the Wife of the Governor, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, reiterated the administration’s dedication to promoting the interests of women, widows, traders, and the girl-child through various empowerment programmes and social interventions.

The World Bank Task Team Manager, Michael Ilesanmi, highlighted the significance of the project in improving women’s access to finance, strengthening their economic resilience, and enhancing productivity at the community level.

Some of the beneficiaries described the intervention as life-changing, expressing gratitude to the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the Ekiti State Government for creating opportunities that would help expand their businesses and improve their standard of living.