IWD: Ondo to launch women’s cooperative society to boost economic empowerment
By Roseline Okakah
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to launch a multi-purpose women’s cooperative society as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration (IWD).
The initiative, described as a major highlight of this year’s event, is aimed at strengthening the economic capacity of women across the state through structured financial and business support systems.
Speaking at a media briefing, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Seun Osamaye, said the cooperative society would serve as a sustainable platform for women’s economic inclusion and long-term empowerment.
According to her, the cooperative is designed to provide women with access to credit facilities, business development support and wealth creation opportunities.
“The cooperative society is a strategic and forward-thinking initiative of this administration aimed at strengthening the economic foundation of women across the state,” she said.
Osamaye explained that the scheme would enable women from different sectors, including agriculture, trade, entrepreneurship and professional services, to pool resources, access funding and expand their businesses.
She noted that the initiative reflects a deliberate shift from short-term empowerment programmes to more structured and sustainable economic solutions.
“This is a bold step towards institutionalising women’s economic independence and resilience in Ondo State,” she added.
The commissioner further disclosed that the launch of the cooperative society would take place during the state’s International Women’s Day celebration scheduled for April 21, 2026.
She said the event would also feature the empowerment of 1,200 women across various groups, including market women, artisans, entrepreneurs, students, widows and women living with disabilities.
Osamaye emphasised that the inclusive approach was intended to ensure that no category of women is left out of government empowerment programmes.
She also highlighted other activities lined up for the celebration, including a keynote address and panel discussions focused on women’s role in economic development and leadership.
In addition, outstanding women in the state will be honoured for their contributions to societal development through a special recognition award.
The commissioner called on stakeholders, development partners and the media to support the initiative, noting that empowering women remains critical to sustainable development.
“Empowering women is not a favour, it is a necessity. When women thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger and the state advances,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the cooperative society would serve as a catalyst for economic growth among women and contribute significantly to the overall development of the state.
The International Women’s Day celebration, observed globally, is aimed at recognising the achievements of women while advocating greater inclusion and gender equality.
The briefing has in attendance representatives of women clusters across the state as well as government officials and staff of the ministry of women Affairs and Social Development among several others .
