Oyebanji Insists on Effective NFWP-SU Implementation in Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, declaring that effective implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, NFWP-SU, in Ekiti is non-negotiable.

The governor’s position came as senior officials gathered for a three-day team-bonding workshop aimed at tightening coordination among those driving the programme across the state. The government says it is backing the initiative as a practical tool to lift household incomes and deepen grassroots development.

Oyebanji NFWP-SU implementation in Ekiti

Speaking at the opening session, the Chairman of the State Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Structure and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, said Mr Oyebanji views the NFWP-SU as central to his administration’s inclusive growth agenda. He told participants that the scale-up phase demands discipline, professionalism and measurable outcomes.

“This programme must translate into visible impact in our communities,” he said, urging officials to focus on delivery rather than bureaucracy.

The NFWP-SU builds on the Nigeria for Women Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative designed to strengthen women’s access to financial, social and livelihood opportunities through Women Affinity Groups. Ekiti officials say the state intends to use the platform to drive economic independence among rural women.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, described the scheme as a direct intervention targeted at grassroots households. She warned that resources must reach intended beneficiaries and called for strict transparency in fund management.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Sola Adeluyi, reinforced that message, stressing adherence to operational guidelines and institutional synergy to secure long-term sustainability.

Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Toyin Familoni, said the workshop focuses on strengthening unity and coordinated service delivery among field teams. According to her, improved collaboration will reduce duplication and speed up impact tracking across local government areas.

The event also drew a delegation from Ogun State, led by its Project Coordinator, Bolanle Fadairo, who shared lessons from implementation efforts there. Officials described the exchange as an opportunity to refine strategies and avoid common pitfalls.

For the Oyebanji administration, the emphasis remains clear. Women’s economic empowerment sits at the heart of its development blueprint. The governor’s team now faces the harder task, turning policy commitments into tangible gains for women at the household level across Ekiti’s communities.