By Kemi Olatunde

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Women empowerment is a key factor in the development of any nation. When women are given equal opportunity to grow, learn, and lead, the whole society benefits. Empowering women is essential for building a strong, fair, and developed society. When women are empowered, they have the freedom and confidence to make decisions, contribute to the economy, and improve the lives of their families and communities. Government plays a vital role in empowering women by creating laws, policies, and programmes that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.

Educated and independent women play a vital role in the development of a nation. They raise healthier and better-educated children, help reduce poverty, and boost economic growth. Women’s participation in politics and leadership also leads to more balanced and inclusive decision-making.

Government efforts are essential in ensuring that women have the freedom and support to reach their full potential. A country can only progress when its women are equally empowered and respected.

It is worth noting that empowerment helps fight social evils like gender discrimination, domestic violence, and inequality. When women are aware of their rights and have access to education and job opportunities, they can break the cycle of dependence and injustice.

In a few months of the assumption of office of the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, priority has been given to women in the state through various empowerment programmes. Also, the place of women has not been relegated as some have been included in a few key political appointments which have been made in the state.

Renewed Hope Initiative: 300 women received agricultural support materials

No fewer than 300 women across the 18 Local Government areas of the state received agricultural support materials.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye while speaking during the distribution of the materials noted that the event, which was held in Akure, was part of the RHI/FMA Agricultural Support Programme and Empowerment.

According to her, the programme has significantly impacted the lives of women and youths in the state, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative, a social intervention programme under the leadership of Nigeria’s First Lady in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, has brought considerable relief and empowerment to women, girls, and youths in the state since January 2024.

“A series of impactful programmes and donations have been rolled out across the state, targeting vulnerable groups, especially women, schoolgirls, and students in tertiary institutions,” she stated.

She described the interventions as unprecedented, providing succour to many families, and noted that women and girls in the state have never before benefited from any programme linked to the office of the First Lady at the federal level.

Among the key interventions highlighted were the distribution of 50,000 exercise books handed over to the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board for distribution to pupils in basic education classes, bursary awards given to 100 female students of Ondo State origin studying education-related courses in public tertiary institutions, donation of 1,200 bags of rice on June 20, 2024, distributed to indigents and vulnerable women across the state.

Osamaye hinted that 20 selected women farmers received N500,000 each, totaling N10 million to boost agricultural productivity; and as for economic empowerment, she revealed that 1,000 women petty traders benefitted from an N50 million recapitalization grant, with each trader receiving N50,000 to support  their businesses.

Other interventions, she said included various agricultural support funds and the donation of five solar energy units, which were distributed to selected indigent women to improve access to clean and sustainable energy.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Oluseyi Odusola, praised the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a fresh and impactful dimension of women’s empowerment.

She also commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing an enabling environment  for  women and the vulnerable to thrive.

Approval of N35 million empowerment fund for widows

In January, the government approved the sum of N35 million empowerment fund for widows of fallen heroes in the state as disclosed by Gov. Aiyedatiwa at the final parade and laying of wreaths to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Akure.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, he said that 61 widows benefited in 2024 while 51 had been shortlisted as part of the first batch for 2025.

The governor, while assuring that the empowerment process would be a continuous one, appreciated the military and all the security agencies, including Amotekun Corps, and commended them for providing the needed support to complement the efforts of the regular security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state.

Aiyedatiwa said as part of the government’s commitment, the state had launched the Emblem Appeal with the sum of N4 million, aside from the donations from other well-wishers both at the individual and institutional levels.

Speaking in an interview, the Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Council, Retired Col. Olu Apata, described the event as an annual one to remember and honour the fallen heroes and the serving ones.

Apata lauded the state government’s efforts at prioritizing the welfare of its members, just as he commended it for the disbursement of loans to wives of the fallen heroes.

One of the widows of the fallen heroes, Mrs. Clara Tanko, said that the annual event enabled Nigerians to remember and honour their late husbands who died defending their fatherland.

The government has also reinforced its commitment to women’s participation in agriculture by launching an empowerment initiative focused on modern farming practices.

Training of  female farmers in 18 LGs

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Wemimo Akinshola, while speaking recently at an event disclosed that young female farmers across the 18 Local Government areas of the state recently completed a three-month intensive training on modern vegetable farming in Ogun State.

The training, he noted, was made possible through a partnership between the  State Government and agricultural development organisations.

“This programme was designed to equip young women with modern farming techniques that will enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture. The selected beneficiaries were trained on innovative vegetable farming methods, positioning them to contribute significantly to food production in Ondo State,” Akinshola explained.

He emphasised that the initiative is part of the state’s broader agenda to drive food security and self-sufficiency, ultimately transforming Ondo State into an agribusiness hub within the next 24 months.

“The whole idea is to make young people take charge of this crucial sector. If we are serious about achieving food security, we must invest in empowering the next generation of farmers. With this programme, we are setting the foundation for Ondo State to become a leading player in agribusiness,” he added.

He stressed that the programme was strictly for youths between the ages of 18 and 35 and that a total of 100 participants will be selected for the next phase.

The coordinator of the programme, Femi Ilesanmi also stressed that the training was aimed at empowering women and motivating them to engage actively in food production.

“The whole idea is to empower women and encourage them to contribute significantly to food production. We have also partnered with international organizations to provide the necessary education and technical knowledge,” he explained.

He further disclosed that the first batch of trainees, who completed their programme on March 24, had returned to Ondo State and were now equipped with modern agricultural skills.

“Now, they are professional agronomists, ready to apply what they have learned to improve food production and sustainability in Ondo State,” Ilesanmi added.

One of the beneficiaries, Ebhodaghe Blessing, described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity.

“This training has been an eye-opener for me. I have learned modern farming techniques, better ways to increase productivity and business strategies that will help me sustain an agricultural venture. I never imagined I would gain this much knowledge in such a short time, and I am grateful to the Ondo State Government for this opportunity,” she expressed.