Osogbo — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says no woman will be left behind in his administration’s push for inclusive economic growth, as 500 women completed training in organic home farming and received ₦50,000 grants each.
Speaking at the closeout of the programme—implemented by the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF), an initiative of Dr. Deji Adeleke—the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Mrs. Oyebola Fadeyi-Awolowo, described women as “nation builders” who must not lag behind.
“Our women empowerment programme has been encompassing since this administration came on board and we will not relent to ensure that women become more self-reliant,” he said, noting earlier support to rural farmers, traders and artisans through cash grants and work tools such as deep freezers and grinding machines. “When you empower women, the family is secured socially and economically.”
SDF Chairman Dr. Deji Adeleke, represented by his deputy Banji Adesuyi, said the initiative—packaged under the Veronica Adeleke Women Empowerment scheme—aims to make women economically independent. Participants were drawn from the state’s 30 local government councils and the area office.
“This women empowerment scheme is the first of its kind in the state… We have 500 participants for this phase, after which other women groups will be included. Our target is 1,000 women, and we will reach it,” Adesuyi said.
Training modules covered organic compound farming in vegetables and cocoyam, snail breeding, and poultry farming—with a focus on low-cost, eco-friendly methods suitable for home production.
The governor reaffirmed that the state will continue backing graduates of the programme with starter grants and follow-up support, aligning with broader efforts to boost food security, household incomes, and women’s participation in Osun’s economy.
