By Kemi Peters.

The World Bank has given a pat on the back to the Ogun State team of Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP), for achieving a milestone of being the first State to meet up with the target of forming 1,000 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), that will benefit from the World Bank-assisted project in Nigeria.

The Bank in a commendation letter dated August 17, 2021 and signed by the Task Team Leader, NFWP, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, stated that Ogun had excelled among other five States; Abia, Kebbi, Niger, Edo and Taraba through innovation and persistence to effectively coordinate members of the Groups.

Ilesanmi noted that Ogun would be an example to other selected States, saying, “Ogun State is a proof that good things come to those who are willing to sacrifice to reach a worthwhile goal. Words can't express how proud we are! Your innovation and persistence made all the difference in making this achievement possible.”

Reacting to the commendation letter, 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.

Fadairo explained that Ogun State has a target of 54,000 women in the three designated Local Government Areas, which are; Odeda, Yewa North and Ijebu North-East.

In a related development, the Chairperson, NFWP State Technical Committee (STC), Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi has commended the World Bank for the initiative and encouraged the women not to relent in adhering to the key principles of the project.

Ogunremi who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development threw the challenge during a visit to the Groups at their various centers in Odeda and Ijebu-Ode, assured them of the readiness of her Ministry to render necessary help.

Responding on behalf of the Groups visited, Mrs. Akogu Oluga and Mrs. Modinat Amusan attested to the success of the programme in the State as a veritable means to improve the wellbeing of the women folks, lauding the government and World Bank for the initiative.