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IJEBU ODE: The first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has called for collaborative efforts to bridge the socioeconomic gaps existing among women.
Mrs Abiodun also urged governments and other critical stakeholders to deepen their engagements in creating opportunities for women across Nigeria to thrive.
The Governor’s wife spoke in Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State, while delivering her keynote address at the empowerment of Ogun 50 rural women with solar – powered kiosks by Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Neighbours Shop.
The intervention entails that the beneficiaries earn 60% of profits, tracked daily and weekly via installed tablets, while 40% is retained for reinvestment. The model ensures transparency and motivates beneficiaries to excel.
Mrs Abiodun who was represented at the event by Mrs. Bolanle Alake Oduyale, described the project as a “powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and progress.”
Noting the role of women as key drivers of economic growth, she emphasised the importance of collective action to bridge existing socio-economic gaps.
“Empowering women is not just an obligation; it is an investment in the prosperity of our society,”she added.
Mrs. Abiodun commended AACCF for its unwavering dedication to sustainable development and applauded BOI and Neighbours Shop for their strategic contributions, even as she pledged continued government support to amplify the initiative.
“Together, we can create a future where every woman, regardless of her background, has the resources and tools to thrive,” she concluded.
Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF, said the initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She described the solar-powered kiosks as “more than just business hubs,” saying they are platforms for innovation, sustainability, and empowerment.
“Each kiosk is equipped with renewable energy systems, digital inventory management tools, and refrigeration units, addressing critical challenges in informal retail sectors while promoting environmental resilience.
“By ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability at this phase, we create a scalable model for empowerment across Nigeria,”she noted.
While commending BOI for its N97 million grant and to Neighbours Shop for their operational expertise, she called on traditional rulers, government officials, and private entities to join forces in scaling up the initiative.
The Bank of Industry (BOI), represented by Mr. John Akinde, said the institution is unwavering in its commitment to gender-focused and sustainable initiatives.
“Women constitute a significant portion of our population and are pivotal contributors to households, communities, and the national economy.
“The solar-powered feature ensures environmental sustainability, reduces operational costs, and extends the impact to remote areas,” Akinde said.
Mr. Akinde underscored how the solar-powered kiosks aligned with BoI’s mandate of promoting financial inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing energy deficiencies in underserved areas.
“The solar-powered feature ensures environmental sustainability, reduces operational costs, and extends the impact to remote areas,” he said.
He also lauded the partnership with AACCF and Neighbours Shop, commending their dedication to uplifting communities through innovative solution, pointing out that BOI’s N97 million grant was pivotal in bringing this project to life.
“Our goal is to support initiatives that transform lives and communities, ensuring every woman has the tools to succeed,”he concluded.
For Mr. Muyideen Sanwoola, Founder of Neighbours Shop, encouraging stakeholders to continue supporting collaborative efforts that empower women and spur economic growth is critical.
Sanwoola elaborated on measures to safeguard and sustain the kiosks, including daily restocking by route managers and the use of insurance and anti-theft systems. Field officers maintain solar panels during harmattan, ensuring uninterrupted solar power supply.
According to him, beneficiaries who managed their kiosks successfully for three years would gain full ownership, fostering long-term commitment.
Also, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, OGUN State; and Chairman of the occasion, praised the initiative as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development.
“These kiosks are a testament to the power of innovation in addressing real-life challenges,”he noted.
Prof. Ashiru called on governments, corporate entities, and community leaders to replicate such impactful programs across other regions, creating opportunities for economic growth and social development.
Representing the AACCF Board of Trustees, Ruth Diyan Ebe-Emordi expressed profound gratitude to all partners and stakeholders.
She emphasized that this initiative is part of AACCFs larger vision to create a ripple effect of empowerment and prosperity across underserved communities.
“This program is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose,” she remarked.
Ebe-Emordi urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with dedication and to leverage the tools provided to build thriving businesses that can transform their families and communities.
She further assured continuous support from AACCF to ensure the long-term success of the initiativeHon.
Adeyemi Titi Julius, Vice Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, described the initiative as a testament to the power of collaboration between NGOs, local government, and the community.
The kiosk, equipped with modern tools, provides access to information and digital opportunities, particularly for the youth, who are poised to benefit immensely from the initiative. This project demonstrates the importance of community-driven development and partnerships in achieving shared goals,”he remarked
.Hon. Adeyemi also assured continued support for initiatives that advance Ijebu-Odes development.
He encouraged the community to maximize the kiosk’s potential and ensure its maintenance for long-term benefits.
Expressing gratitude to the donor, she said, “We shall continue to partner with AACCF and other organizations committed to elevating our community.
The event climaxed with the handover of 35 kiosks to women entrepreneurs, symbolizing a new chapter of empowerment and economic inclusion in Ogun State.
The Daily Crucible reports that the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation, (AACCF) is a registered non-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering engaged citizenship.
Its mission is to empower children, women, and the youth, unlocking opportunities for growth and sustainability through transformative initiatives that enable them to reach their full potential.
It envisions a nation where collective prosperity is driven by empowered communities and an engaged citizenry, working together to create lasting, positive change.
Through strategic interventions and community-building efforts, AACCF strives to inspire and equip individuals to thrive, contributing to the overall progress and success of society.
