As part of efforts to fight poverty and boost Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in the Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, an Ogun State monarch, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, has empowered hundreds of women with interest-free loans and skills development in the last one year.
The monarch, who spoke in Abeokuta on Monday as part of activities scheduled to mark 2025 Odun Omo Olowu in Abeokuta, noted that Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), created by the monarch, is being operated on key four pillars, namely, Health and Well-being, Education, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change as well as Enterprise and Skills Development.
While reeling out achievements of Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), the monarch stated that 150 women had accessed collateral- and interest-free loans undertaken in partnership with Lotus Bank, running into hundreds of millions of naira, adding that 1,200 women were trained in various trades and vocations, just as about 80 youths were trained in digital skills.
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He said, “Enterprise and Skills Development Progress hinges on the ability to earn a living with dignity. Many families have lost this chance due to lack of capital and skills. Thus, we invest not only in providing funds but also in building the capacity to use them effectively, turning humble beginnings into lasting transformation.
“OHI Women Empowerment Program Empowering women is a powerful strategy for uplifting entire communities. Through the OHI Women Empowerment Fund, our goal is to support 50,000 women with interest-free capital, skills training, and mentorship.
“In partnership with Lotus Bank and World Citizen, this fund nurtures women entrepreneurs, inspiring a new generation of financially independent, community-focused leaders. The programme encompasses business loans and mentorship, skills development, scholarships, and accessible healthcare and wellness.
“Recognising that access to affordable finance is a key barrier for many women, OHI bridges this gap with interest-free microcredit, capacity building, and structured pathways to formal finance. On 30 September 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, launched the OHI Women Empowerment Fund—a grassroots initiative set to transform Owu Kingdom and serve as a model for community-led development
nationwide.”
