World Bank Projects: FG, Ogun Targets 54,000 Women On Business Management Training

ABEOKUTA–The Federal government in conjunction with the Ogun State government has targeted about 54,000 women in three designated Local Government Areas, Odeda, Yewa North and Ijebu North-East as part of the World Bank assisted projects training on business and financial management through the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP).

The training which is to help improve their livelihood and check gender inequalities especially at the rural areas is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun, Abia,Kebbi, Niger and Taraba states.

The women were also trained on how to invest their little resources in their businesses, budgeting as well as needs prioritisation.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Funso Adebiyi who spoke alongside, the National Project Coordinator, Mrs Ruth Peter Michellia,
stressed that the training was targeted towards improving the women’s financial skills and business management acumen.

Adebiyi who led the Project’s technical committee on the tour of Odeda Local Government of the state to ascertain the level of success achieved so far, through the ministry with the support of World Bank, would render financial support to the beneficiaries to boost their businesses.

“We train them on how to invest with little resources into vocation, skills they acquired over time. This is gradually increasing their financial power. Not only that, it’s serve as a training ground to build a businessman for themselves so that by the time they are financially empowered to run a vocation for themselves, the Federal government will come me in support of World Bank to continue the business on a bigger scale”, he said

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Anipupo Oluwakemi Olabisi who was among the three affinity group in Odeda Local government said “We are glad, we have been trained on how to save and how we can manage our businesses, with our little resources.

“We are now waiting for the financial institution to come in in terms of financial support. I know that this will also help the country to eradicate poverty because this programme will assist us in expanding our business. I really appreciate the federal government for giving us this opportunity and I also hope that they fulfill all their promises”.

The World Bank Task Team Leader, NFWP, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi in an interview with newsmen during the visit, stated that women should reposed confidence in Nigerian Government as the project would build social capital women in the selected state.

“What we are trying to do is to build social capital for the women, addressing discrimination and social norms that prevent women from reaching their potentials”, he added

Also, the State Coordinator of the project, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo stated that it was designed to empower rural women, through building social capital, livelihood programmes, innovation and partnership, project monitoring, evaluation and learning.