The Ogun State Government, in partnership with the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), has commissioned what it describes as Nigeria’s first methane reduction hybrid learning hub in Iworo, Ijebu North-East Local Government Area.
The initiative is designed to tackle environmental pollution, promote sustainable waste management and empower women with practical skills to convert waste materials into marketable products. The facility will train women in producing biochar, compost and briquettes, creating opportunities for income generation while supporting environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the commissioning, the National Coordinator of the project, Maina Adiza, called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the hub remains operational and delivers long-term benefits to women and their communities.
She explained that the centre would provide practical training in waste management and connect participants with mentorship, business support and market opportunities to help them turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Olufunsho Obienu, described the facility as an expansion of the existing women’s empowerment programme. She said the hybrid learning model would combine physical training with an online platform, allowing more women to access the programme beyond the immediate host community.
Obienu added that the initiative was also intended to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with traditional cooking fuels. According to her, encouraging the use of alternative fuels such as briquettes could help reduce exposure to harmful emissions while creating opportunities for women-led businesses.
The Ogun State Coordinator of the programme, Bolanle Fadairo, said the online component would enable women in other parts of Nigeria to participate in the training. She disclosed that 26 states were expected to join the learning activities virtually, extending the initiative beyond Ogun State.
Fadairo also revealed that the parent project had established 5,890 Women Affinity Groups, with more than 199,000 beneficiaries across 11 local government areas in Ogun State. The groups provide platforms for women to build financial knowledge, develop businesses and strengthen their economic independence.
The Nigeria for Women Project is a partnership between the Federal Government and the World Bank aimed at improving women’s livelihoods through skills development, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and stronger community networks. Its scale-up phase seeks to extend these opportunities to more women and support sustainable economic activities at the grassroots.
The newly commissioned hub is expected to contribute to these objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge of converting organic waste into useful products. Biochar and compost can be used to improve soil conditions, while briquettes can serve as an alternative fuel source when produced and used safely.
By combining environmental awareness with vocational training and business support, the Ogun State Government hopes the initiative will help women develop income-generating enterprises while promoting more sustainable waste management practices.
The state government also plans to replicate the training across its local government areas, potentially widening access to the programme and increasing the number of women who can benefit from the initiative.
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