Monarch’s Wife Empowers Women Traders in Osun

Sophia Adeyemi and Yetunde Bello

 In a remarkable display of women empowerment, Olori Janet Afolabi, the  Queen of Apomu Kingdom, Isokan Local Government of Osun State, has  provided a new batch of market women with interest-free loans.

A total of 50 women were randomly selected and shortlisted by prominent women leaders in the community, led by  the Otun Iyalode of Apomu Kingdom, Christiana Akinlabu. Olori Afolabi urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the intended purpose, emphasizing that the money was intended to assist them in expanding their existing small-scale businesses or initiating new entrepreneurial ventures.

According to her, the loan repayment period has been set at five months, providing the women with ample time to manage their finances effectively.

Olori Afolabi  stressed the significance of empowering women in eradicating poverty and hunger within rural communities.

She highlighted that poverty alleviation plays a vital role in enabling women to break free from the cycle of impoverishment, as women constitute a significant portion of the world’s most destitute individuals.

Empowering women, she affirmed, is not only crucial for rural development but also for the overall progress of the nation.

This initiative of offering interest-free loans was initially introduced by Olori  Afolabi in 2020, following the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown. Numerous women had encountered challenges in resuming their trading businesses as they had depleted their capital during the pandemic. Despite their efforts to borrow money from family and friends, securing financial support proved exceedingly difficult. Recognising these struggles, Olori Janet embarked on her flagship empowerment project, the “No Collateral, No Interest Loan,” with the aim of helping these women rebuild their lives and businesses.

The impact of Olori Janet Afolabi’s initiative has been widely commended by the local community, as it not only provides immediate financial relief but also instills a sense of hope and resilience within the women traders.

By investing in women’s economic empowerment, Olori Janet is spearheading a positive transformation in the lives of these individuals and contributing to the overall development of the Apomu Kingdom.

As the beneficiaries of this benevolent gesture embark on their journey towards financial independence, it is expected that their success stories will inspire and encourage other communities to prioritize women’s empowerment and take significant steps towards eliminating poverty and fostering sustainable development.