Sourced from LEADERSHIP.NG, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Governor, launched the Odatiwa Women’s Initiative Grant, which is a monetary empowerment program for 1,000 poor women in the country. The award was presented during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure. The celebration was under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Employment” with the spotlight centered at women’s equality, inclusion, as well as women’s economic empowerment.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards the improvement of women, particularly the poor women, by stressing the fact that women empowerment in business, as leaders, etc can only be attained through economic empowerment.
“Economic empowerment for women is high up the priority list with this government,” he said. “Empowering women ensures families thrive, the community thrives, society advances. The grant is the vehicle by which we deliver cash to women in order that they can increase business operations and increase their economic position.”
He also pledged to give women in Ondo State the power to participate actively in the decision-making process. “Empowering women is no wish, it is a necessity for society to be successful,” he added.
The governor also appreciated the integral part women have taken in the political and socio-economic progress of Ondo State, particularly in his victory as the winner of the November 16, 2024, governorship election. “Today is the new day we looked forward to, and I wish to express our gratitude to the women of Ondo State for their tenacity and commitment.
We will accord priority to women and the girl child in our working plan in order for them to work to the best of their capacities,” he vowed. Dr. Seun Osamaye, the Ondo State Governor’s Special Adviser on matters relating to women and the chief organiser of the event, said the programme represented a significant stride towards bridging the gap between the genders in Ondo State. She spoke of the determination of the government in empowering the women with the instruments of success in business as well as in the area of leadership.
