Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a N50m empowerment grant for women in Ondo State as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The governor announced the intervention at the event held at The Dome Akure, where he said the initiative was aimed at boosting women’s economic participation and strengthening livelihoods.
According to him, N40m of the fund will be disbursed directly to women, while N10m will support the establishment of the O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
Aiyedatiwa said the intervention aligns with his administration’s strategy to tackle poverty and promote inclusive growth.
“These interventions are deliberate instruments of transformation aimed at positioning women as drivers of economic growth,” he said.
He linked the programme to the global theme of the celebration, noting that investment in women yields long-term benefits for society.
The governor also listed ongoing initiatives, including skills acquisition, agricultural support and social welfare programmes targeted at women and vulnerable groups.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, adding that more opportunities have been created for women in governance and decision-making.
In her address, the First Lady, Esther Aiyedatiwa, said 1,200 women would benefit from the financial empowerment programme.
She described women as critical to development and urged sustained efforts toward achieving gender equality.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the state had recorded progress in women-focused interventions through targeted policies and programmes.
She added that the ministry’s initiatives cover economic empowerment, healthcare, education, agriculture and governance participation.
Highlights of the event included the conferment of Icon Awards on notable women, including Jumoke Akindele, Damilola Oshin, Funke Felix-Adejumo, Jumoke Anifowose and Kosemani Kolawole.
Aiyedatiwa also received a special recognition award alongside his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, for their contributions to women development.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; and the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Ogunoye.
Stakeholders said the initiative underscores the growing importance of women's empowerment in driving inclusive economic development across the state.