Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has reiterated her commitment to ensuring that women in the State are empowered and have equal rights to economic resources.

          Mrs. Abiodun said this in Abeokuta at the Agribusiness Project 2021 Empowerment ceremony organised by the International Federation of Training and Development Organisation (IFTDO) in collaboration with Total Energies, where 18 beneficiaries were empowered with a sum of N250,000.00 each.

          She noted that empowering young women in small-scale Agribusiness would provide opportunities for them to earn appreciable income, that would make them self-sustenance, adding that the programme was to change the narrative of young women in Nigeria.

          The First Lady said "I want to thank the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations and Total Energies for organising an event that empowers women in Agribusiness. Getting people to think outside the box is a welcome idea.

          "You did not only provide young women with the tools to succeed but also show them how they can work creatively to overcome the limitations imposed on them by society. I look forward to the impact this will have on our communities, because initiative like this should have a ripple effect that will transcend the participants themselves to the larger society", she added.

          In her remark, the Chairman, IFTDO, Committee for Women Empowerment, Mrs. Janet Jolaoso explained the objectives of the organisation to include, giving a voice to the women in Africa and Asia, situate projects that would empower and support women entrepreneurs through sponsorship of viable projects, among others.

          Mrs. Jolaoso stated that out of the world population of 7.8billion, women formed about 46 percent, remarking that many of them were subjected to rape, sexual harassment, domestic and other forms of violence, which according to her informed the determination of the organization to give voice to the women through empowerment.

          The Chairman disclosed that the organisation had also gone into partnership with higher institutions of learning like the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and Covenant University, among other institutions, saying other categorisation of its projects include, Women in Agribusiness and Up Skilling Women in higher authorities.

          Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, the Iyalode Agbe of Oyo State, Mrs. Tawakalitu Ishola appreciated the sponsors for the training and the financial support, commending the State government for the success recorded in the agricultural sector.