An organization known as SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has disbursed N120million seed grant to 12 women’s associations in Ijebuland, Ogun State, as a way to empower women and vulnerable communities in the country.
The beneficiaries emanated from different groups under the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) around the SOS Children’s Villages in Owu-Ijebu, Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.
The village savings and loan association is made up of groups of 20 to 25 women who come together with the goal of running small businesses, serving as income – generating ventures to improve the livelihood of their members.
Eghosa Erhumwunse, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, while speaking on Monday during the disbursement of seed grant in Owu – Ijebu, explained that the women who are facing obstacles in scaling their businesses due to economic hardship had submitted a proposal to the organization for a seed grant to support their initiative.
Erhumwunse who was represented by the Chief Program Officer, Ayodeji Adelopo, said the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria supported the initiative because it would have a great impact in the lives of the beneficiaries’ children and young people.
“The grants being awarded today are designed to empower them, serving as a strategic measure to foster economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable community members.
“This initiative also aims to strengthen social cohesion and develop collective problem-solving skills within these communities,” he said.
Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development who represented the Government commended the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for the seed grant and promised that the government will monitor the beneficiaries to ensure they follow strictly the agreement signed on the usage of the grant.
Mrs Odujobi Yewande, who reponded on behalf of the God Grace VSLA, said the group will be venturing into palm and plantain plantation with the N10m grant.
While commending the organization, Yewande said the grant will impact positively on the business and further assist in catering for the welfare of the families.
