Ogun State has emerged top among implementing states under the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, having successfully registered a total of 2,000 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) within six weeks of full project implementation.

The milestone was disclosed in a statement on Thursday, signed by the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo.

Mrs. Fadairo said the statistics showcased by the national Project Management Information System platform, clearly demonstrate the strong institutional readiness of the state government and its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment under the Scale-Up phase of the project.

She added, “This feat reflects the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the present administration, as well as the political will of key stakeholders involved in the project.”

Fadairo commended the strategic collaboration of the Ministries of Finance, Women Affairs and Social Development, Budget and Planning, alongside the dedication of the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU).

Providing a breakdown of the WAGs formation across the four implementing local government areas, Fadairo revealed, “Ijebu-Ode recorded 760 groups, accounting for 38% of the total, while Ifo Local Government recorded 569 groups, representing 28.45%. Sagamu Local Government formed 378 WAGs, amounting to 18.9%, while Ado-Odo/Ota recorded 293 groups, representing 14.64%.”

She noted that the distribution reflects effective community mobilization and grassroots engagement across the project areas.

The Project Coordinator reaffirmed the state’s resolve to sustain momentum, deepen impact, and consolidate gains under the NFWP-SU. She added that no stone would be left unturned to further position Ogun as a reference point for effective implementation and inclusive women-focused development nationwide.

Speaking recently during a visit by nine states that came to understudy the success of the NFWP-SU project in Ogun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, described WAGs as the backbone of the programme because they provide the primary platform through which women are mobilised, empowered, and reached at the grassroots.

“They foster trust, collective savings, peer learning, and accountability, enabling women to access financial literacy, business support, and livelihood opportunities in an inclusive and sustainable way. By strengthening social capital and giving women a collective voice, affinity groups ensure effective programme delivery, ownership, and long-term impact of NFWP-SU interventions within implementing Local Government Areas.”

She noted that the present administration has consistently demonstrated a strong belief in women’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development, providing the policy support and institutional backing required for women-focused interventions to thrive.

The Commissioner said, “Although the Nigeria for Women Project commenced in 2018, the present administration not only sustained the initiative but strengthened it through the Scale-Up phase.”

She added, “I am glad to always describe Governor Dapo Abiodun’s approach as a practical demonstration of the ‘He for She’ principle. His support for women empowerment has been evident through concrete actions rather than mere declarations.” (Punch)

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