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Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Empowers 200 Women with ICT and Vocational Tools

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By Prosper Mene

In taking step towards promoting women’s economic independence and poverty reduction, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has empowered 200 women with vocational tools and startup resources following their successful completion of skill acquisition training.

The initiative, part of the O’Datiwa Skill Up a Woman Initiative (also referred to as O’Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme), culminated in a graduation ceremony for the first batch of 2025 trainees held in Akure on Tuesday. The beneficiaries underwent six months of intensive training in various trades, equipping them with practical skills to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

The training covered diverse areas, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring (fashion designing), soap making, catering services (including confectionaries and baking), interior decoration, and other vocational skills. To ensure immediate application of their newly acquired expertise, the state government presented the graduates with relevant startup tools and equipment. These included laptops for ICT trainees, sewing machines for fashion designers, flour mixers and ovens for bakers and caterers, as well as grants for some participants to serve as startup capital.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding skill acquisition programmes as a key strategy for job creation and economic empowerment, particularly among women. He emphasized that the programme transforms unemployed individuals into skilled, confident, and self-sustaining entrepreneurs, aligning with broader goals of poverty alleviation and gender equality.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative. She noted that the government has demonstrated that women require genuine empowerment, through skills and resources, rather than mere handouts or tokenism. “Women are multipliers with the ability to invest wisely when empowered,” she stated, adding that the 200 beneficiaries can now sustain themselves and contribute to building future generations without facing ridicule or dependency.

This empowerment drive shows Governor Aiyedatiwa’s people-centered “OUR EASE” policy thrust, which prioritizes inclusive development, youth and women engagement, and sustainable livelihoods. The programme is expected to boost local economies by enabling participants to establish small businesses, generate income, and support their families.

 

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Women Empowerment

Supporting Women, Empowering Communities: RCCG and Dolly Foundation Uplift Widows in Ogun State

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The communities of Magboro and Makogi experienced a wave of hope, gratitude, and renewed strength as RCCG My Father’s House, Salford (U.K), in partnership with the Dolly Children Foundation, launched a heartfelt humanitarian food outreach. Organized through the church’s women’s wing, His Pillars, and its charity arm, Project Cornelius, this initiative is part of a consistent quarterly effort dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women.

Focusing on widows and women facing daily economic challenges, the outreach aimed to empower women at the household level, recognizing that when women are supported, families and communities flourish. Many beneficiaries, who often lack family support, received essential food items—including rice, garri, noodles, cooking oil, and other household staples—carefully packaged to meet immediate needs.

For many widows, this intervention was a deeply emotional Christmas blessing, described as a miracle and a long-awaited answered prayer. As the festive season approached, the timely support eased financial burdens, restored dignity, and brought tangible relief to households that had not anticipated aid.

Throughout the distribution, a mood of gratitude and renewed confidence filled the air, highlighting the power of community and compassion. Representatives from His Pillars and Project Cornelius underscored that supporting women, especially widows, is crucial for stabilizing families and strengthening communities. They emphasized that many women navigate life without extended family or support systems, making ongoing intervention essential.

Church leaders, Pastors Sam and Sarah Okodoa, reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive, community-centered service rooted in compassion and dignity. The outreach welcomed all residents, regardless of religious background, reinforcing the importance of kindness and solidarity.

Mrs. Adedolapo Osuntuyi, founder of the Dolly Children Foundation, described the initiative as a lifestyle of compassion, not a one-time gesture. She shared, “When you look into the eyes of widows who have no family support and see their tears turn into smiles, you are reminded that consistency matters. At the Dolly Children Foundation, we are committed to standing in the gap through partnerships like this, so that no woman feels forgotten and no household is left without hope.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anthony, expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “This support came as a miracle to me. I never expected this, especially at this time. RCCG My Father’s House, Salford, His Pillars, and Project Cornelius have lifted a heavy burden from my home. I am grateful for all the food items. May God bless and watch over everyone who made this possible.”

Beyond the food support, community members noted that the outreach restored a sense of belonging, emotional reassurance, and dignity among women who are often overlooked. The organizers have committed to sustaining and expanding this initiative, aiming to reach more women and strengthen households across Ogun State and beyond, fostering a future of hope and empowerment.

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Ogun State Launches Initiative to Empower 105,000 Women in Four Key Local Governments

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By Prosper Mene 

Ogun State Government has unveiled the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), targeting over 105,000 women across four strategically selected local government areas (LGAs).

The initiative, launched today in Akute, Ifo LGA, promises enhanced access to finance, business training, and social networks, positioning Ogun as a frontrunner in gender-inclusive development.

The project focuses on Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs, where women in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) often struggle with limited capital and market linkages. Funded by the Federal Government in partnership with the World Bank, NFWP-SU builds on the success of earlier phases that have already empowered tens of thousands of women nationwide. In Ogun alone, precursor programs like the state-led Oko’wo Dapo scheme have disbursed billions in grants, lifting over 100,000 women toward financial self-reliance since Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration began in 2019.

Speaking at the launch event, Ogun’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, hailed the program as a “bold step toward institutionalizing women’s economic empowerment in the Gateway State.” She emphasized the role of community leaders and traditional rulers in sustaining momentum, urging participants to form affinity groups for mutual support. “This is not just a government handout—it’s a movement to equip our women with the tools to build lasting enterprises and secure their families’ futures,” Adeleye stated.

State Project Coordinator Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo provided deeper insights into the program’s structure, noting its phased rollout across six states. “NFWP-SU fosters women’s economic empowerment through targeted interventions: savings mobilization, skills workshops, and enterprise grants. In Ogun, we’re prioritizing rural and informal sector women, who form the backbone of our local economy.” Early beneficiaries will receive revolving grants, business mentorship, and digital literacy training, with monitoring to ensure scalability.

The launch drew widespread acclaim from local stakeholders. Moradeun Ogundele, Chairman of the Akute Central Community Development Council, praised the initiative for its potential to “significantly improve socio-economic conditions while promoting financial stability at the grassroots level.” Community women in attendance shared stories of past hardships, from subsidy removal’s ripple effects to barriers in accessing traditional loans, expressing optimism that NFWP-SU could turn the tide.

This effort aligns with Governor Abiodun’s broader agenda, including an Executive Order mandating 35% women’s representation in governance and politics, and the expansion of safe centers that double as vocational hubs for gender-based violence survivors. Earlier this year, over 40,000 women benefited from the Oko’wo Dapo scheme, which provided financial literacy and startup capital, demonstrating the state’s commitment to inclusive growth amid economic challenges.

 

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New Initiative to Empower 48,000 Women in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Economic and Security Challenges.

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By Prosper Mene

A beacon of hope emerged for women in northern Nigeria today as the Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development unveiled an ambitious plan to support 48,000 women across 16 local government areas in Katsina State. The initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, aims to bolster economic opportunities in a region long hampered by insecurity and scarce resources, offering a lifeline to women seeking financial independence.

The program targets some of Katsina’s most underserved communities, where banditry, poverty, and limited infrastructure have disproportionately affected women’s livelihoods. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, the initiative seeks to bridge the economic gap that has left many women in the region struggling to support their families. Specific details on funding and implementation timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, but organizers say the effort will prioritize sustainable growth.

The move aligns with broader national commitments to uplift Nigerian women, syncing pledges made by President Bola Tinubu and other leaders during last month’s International Women’s Day events. In March, Tinubu emphasized dismantling systemic barriers and expanding women’s access to finance and governance roles, a vision this initiative aims to put into action. Katsina, a state in Nigeria’s northwest, has been a focal point for such efforts, given its high rates of poverty and gender disparity.

Local women’s advocates have welcomed the announcement, though some caution that success hinges on addressing the region’s security challenges. “Economic empowerment is vital, but it’s hard to thrive when you’re living in fear,” said Amina Yusuf, a community leader in Katsina. “This must go hand in hand with peace.”

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development’s plan marks a significant step toward gender equity in a region where opportunities for women have historically been limited. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on Katsina to see if it can deliver on its promise of transformation amid the area’s complex realities.

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Launches “Free to Shine” Campaign to Combat HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis in South-South Region.

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By Prosper Mene 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in the South-South region, a bold initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. The launch event, held in Port Harcourt, drew health officials, community leaders, and women’s groups, signaling a unified push to address a health crisis that disproportionately affects women and children.

 

Oluremi Tinubu highlighted alarming statistics during her keynote address, noting that young women aged 20–24 are three times more likely to live with HIV than men in the same age group. “This is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of equity and survival for our women and future generations,” she said. She pointed to systemic challenges, including limited access to education, testing, and treatment, as key drivers of the disparity. The First Lady also cited data showing that mother-to-child transmission remains a significant concern, with syphilis and hepatitis adding to the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The “Free to Shine” campaign, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, seeks to eliminate these diseases through a multi-pronged approach. It includes free screening programs, distribution of antiviral medications, and community-based education drives targeting rural and underserved areas. Mobile health units will be deployed across the six states of the South-South region—Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta—to reach at-risk populations. Tinubu announced that over 50,000 women and children are expected to benefit from the initial phase, with plans to scale up nationwide by 2026.

Health Minister Dr. Ali Pate, who attended the launch, praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Eliminating these diseases will reduce maternal mortality and improve child health outcomes,” he said, noting that the campaign aligns with the government’s renewed focus on primary healthcare. Local health workers, including nurses and midwives, will be trained to administer tests and counsel patients, ensuring sustainability beyond the campaign’s rollout.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, though challenges remain. Patience Okon, a women’s advocate from Akwa Ibom, welcomed the focus on young women but urged the government to address stigma, which often prevents people from seeking help. “Many fear being judged or ostracized,” she said. “Awareness must go hand-in-hand with acceptance.”

Tinubu closed the event with a call to action, urging families, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to support the campaign. “Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria where our women and children are free to shine,” she declared, citing the initiative’s slogan. The First Lady is expected to tour other regions in the coming months to expand the program’s reach, with updates to be provided as implementation programs.

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Nigeria’s First Female Mechanic Empowers a New Generation.

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By Prosper Mene

Sandra Aguebor never fit the mold. Growing up in Benin City in the 1970s, she traded dolls for engines, dreaming of a life under the hood rather than in the kitchen. Today, at 50-something, she’s not just Nigeria’s first female mechanic—she’s a trailblazer who’s handed wrenches to hundreds of women, defying norms and rewriting futures through her Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI).

Aguebor’s journey began at 13, sparked by a recurring dream she says came from divine inspiration: Jesus teaching her to fix cars. Her father balked; her mother beat her for tinkering instead of cooking. “They thought I was mad,” she recalls with a wry smile, her hands still stained with grease. But in 1983, she stepped into a local garage in old Bendel State, a teenage girl among men who’d fixed Peugeot 404s for generations. “They laughed at first, then they taught me,” she says. Six years later, she was a pro.

The road wasn’t smooth. “I had to work five times harder than the men,” Aguebor told CNN in 2020, recounting the skepticism and outright dismissal she faced. After stints at Edo Line and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, she launched Sandex Car Care Garage in the mid-90s. Success brought attention—and demolition. When authorities razed her first workshop, she turned her car into a mobile repair unit, proving grit outlasts concrete.

In 2004, Aguebor channeled that grit into the Lady Mechanic Initiative, a mission to empower vulnerable women orphans, trafficking survivors, former sex workers with the skills to fix cars and reclaim their lives. “I wanted to teach them how to fish,” she says, echoing a philosophy of independence. Over two decades, LMI has trained more than 1,000 women across five states, from Lagos to Kano. Graduates like Joy Amuche, now a mechanic in Edo, credit Aguebor with their transformation. “She made me who I am,” says Mary Sunday, another alumna.

The impact is tangible. Clients flock to LMI-trained mechanics, drawn by their precision and determination. “They’re better than some men who take the job for granted,” Aguebor notes, pride in her voice. Her vision stretches further: to mentor 100,000 women across Africa by 2030, smashing gender ceilings one oil change at a time.

Yet, challenges linger. Nigeria’s bureaucracy has uprooted her garage more than once, and cultural resistance still brands mechanics’ work as “unladylike.” Aguebor shrugs it off. “The obstacles became my opportunity,” she told Al Jazeera in 2015. Recognized with awards from Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and a national merit honor, she’s no longer an oddity but an icon.

Today, as she patrols her bustling Lagos workshop, Aguebor sees more than engines. She sees women like herself—defiant, skilled, and free. “My Nigeria is where women do what men say we can’t,” she declares. For her and her trainees, every revved engine roars a truth: stereotypes don’t stand a chance against a woman with a wrench.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Natasha’s Ramadan Relief: Generosity or Political Play?

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By Prosper Mene

As the sun lowers it’s head in Kogi Central this week, signaling the breaking of the Ramadan fast, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan brought a different kind of light to her constituents: 2,400 bags of grains. The haul—1,200 bags of beans and 1,200 bags of millet—was distributed across the five local government areas of Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta, and Ogori-Magongo, a gesture her team billed as a non-partisan act of support during tough economic times. But in a district buzzing with political tension, not everyone sees it as pure benevolence.

For recipients like Fatima Bello, a widow in Adavi, the provisions were a godsend. “Food p

rices are high, and Ramadan makes it harder. This beans will feed my children for days,” she said, her gratitude mirrored by dozens of others who lined up to receive their share. Represented by her aide Abdulrahman Badamasiu, Senator Natasha, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker and Kogi’s first female senator, insisted the aid was about fulfilling her duty. “It’s for everyone—PDP, APC, or no party at all,” Badamasiu relayed on her behalf, a nod to inclusivity in a politically divided region.

The timing, however, has tongues wagging. Natasha’s tenure has been anything but smooth since her 2023 election. Earlier this month, she was suspended from the Senate for six months without pay after alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio—a charge he denies—prompting a storm of controversy. Meanwhile, a recall effort by some constituents hit a snag when a Federal High Court in Lokoja halted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding, with Natasha’s allies claiming the signatures were fabricated. Against this backdrop, the grain distribution feels to some like a well-timed strategy.
“She’s been quiet since the suspension, and now this? It’s convenient,” mused Yusuf Ibrahim, a shopkeeper in Okene. Social media echoes his skepticism, with it’s users debating whether the senator is shoring up support amid whispers of a recall. Others point to her record—scholarships, vocational training, and advocacy for the Ajaokuta Steel Company—as proof she’s always been about service, not just survival. “This is who she is,” said Aisha Muhammed, a supporter at the distribution site. “People forget the good when drama takes over.”

Her critics, including APC Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, see it differently. Karimi, who has traded barbs with Natasha over her suspension, recently called her actions a stain on Kogi’s reputation. Yet, the Concerned Constituents of Kogi Central, a pro-Natasha group, hit back, praising her “unwavering commitment” and teasing upcoming empowerment programs as evidence of her focus.

As bags of millet and beans settle into homes, the jury is out in Kogi Central. Is this a senator doubling down on her promise to serve, or a politician fighting to keep her seat? For now, the provisions offer tangible relief in a season of fasting and reflection—but they’ve also stirred a feast of opinions that Natasha’s next steps will need to digest.

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Nigerian Diaspora Women Illuminate Global Stage at STEM Conference.

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By Prosper Mene 

Nigerian women in the diaspora claimed the spotlight today at the 2025 Women in STEM Conference in London, showcasing groundbreaking innovations and reinforcing their role as trailblazers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, drew hundreds of attendees from across the globe, with Nigerian voices resonating powerfully amid discussions on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.

Dr. Ngozi Okeke, a UK-based engineer originally from Lagos, captivated the audience with her keynote address, unveiling a prototype for a low-cost solar energy system designed to electrify rural African communities. “Growing up with unreliable power taught me resilience and ingenuity,” she said, dedicating her work to the next generation of Nigerian girls dreaming of STEM careers. Her presentation earned a standing ovation, with attendees noting its potential to revolutionize energy access in developing regions.

Meanwhile, Tolu Adebayo, a software developer from Ibadan now living in Manchester, led a workshop on artificial intelligence applications for healthcare, highlighting a new algorithm she developed to improve early disease detection in underserved populations. “This is about using tech to save lives where it’s needed most,” Adebayo told reporters, emphasizing her roots as a driving force behind her innovation.

The conference, coinciding with ongoing global efforts following International Women’s Day earlier this month, underscored the contributions of Nigerian diaspora women to tackling worldwide challenges. Organizers praised their presence as a testament to the growing influence of African women in STEM, with one panelist remarking, “These women are not just participating—they’re leading.”

Back in Nigeria, the event sparked pride and conversation online, with hashtags like #NigerianWomenInSTEM trending as citizens celebrated their compatriots’ achievements abroad. The success of Okeke, Adebayo, and others at today’s conference highlights the vital role of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping a more inclusive and innovative global STEM landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

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