Committed to empowering women on financial literacy to upscale access to opportunities and resources, as well as reduce poverty, the Ogun State government has trained women under the ‘Oko-Owo Dapo’ empowerment scheme.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, while delivering a keynote address at the opening of ’Training Of Trainers Workshop on Financial Education’, at the Rotary Club House, Abeokuta, said the event would enable participants to impart knowledge learnt to other members.

Hon. Adeleye enjoined them to utilise the basic knowledge acquired, to independently manage their finances and enhance their businesses.

She assured participants that Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would not relent to prioritise the welfare and well-being of women through financial independence to support their home front which would, in turn, reduce violence on women.

‘’Women should see themselves as independent, not a liability to their husbands and communities. I therefore urge us to take this training seriously to reduce poverty and make life meaningful for themselves and the society at large’’, she said.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Nigeria For Women Project, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo, said the essence of the training was to develop and promote knowledge, attitude and skills on how to manage money matters, leading to improvement in their livelihood and well-being.

In her lecture, titled, ‘’Key Points on Financial Education’’, Dr. Funke Koleowo, stated that an entrepreneur should endeavour to increase investment, save judiciously, have financial discipline, be prudent in spending for inclusive financial management, saying the lecture would ensure understanding on basic principles of budgeting, saving and borrowing.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Muinat Lawal from Odeda Local Government, appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for the training, saying it would enlighten them on how to improve their livelihood and promised to cascade the knowledge to other members.

In their lectures, facilitators at Ogun West and Ogun East Senatorial Districts, Mr. Rashidi Ajibade and Mr. Taiwo Oyeneye, emphasised the need for financial planning, towards achieving the set goals at a particular time and ensuring that set objectives were realistic.