On a significant day for community development in Oyo State, Abideen Adeaga, the Chairman of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency, presented certificates of completion to 14 communities that successfully completed the inaugural 28 micro-projects funded for the year 2024. This celebration underscores the agency’s commitment to improving community infrastructure and services across various local government areas within the state. The announcement, made through the agency’s Project Public Relations Officer, Alhazan Rilwan, highlights the comprehensive efforts undertaken by these communities in Oyo State, with a focus on enhancing educational and health facilities, promoting clean water access, and implementing efficient drainage systems.
The communities honored for their achievements span a diverse geographic area, including Lagbedu Orile in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Ajaawa, Olorunsogo-Ifesowapo in Ogbomoso North, and several others in Ibadan and other districts. Each of these communities took part in projects that aligned with pressing local needs. The projects varied from the construction and renovation of classrooms equipped with new furniture and VIP toilets to the drilling of motorized boreholes. Moreover, some communities prioritized health by constructing health centers along with the necessary boreholes. In addition, projects addressing flooding issues, such as the building of culverts and lined drainages, were also initiated, showcasing a broad and inclusive approach to community betterment.
Adeaga praised the remarkable dedication displayed by the 14 communities, emphasizing their commitment to completing the projects within the designated timeline while ensuring quality in materials used. He noted that this commendable performance scores an impressive 85 percent, a reflection of the communities’ ownership and proactive engagement with the projects from their inception. The Chairman expressed confidence in the sustainability of these developments, as the communities have also pledged to monitor and maintain the infrastructure, ensuring its longevity and usefulness for future generations.
Furthermore, Adeaga highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on the local populace, reiterating the relevance of the state governor, Seyi Makinde’s, broader vision for community development. The projects are not just about infrastructure but are integral to enhancing educational opportunities, expanding access to clean water, and fostering improved health services across Oyo State. The commitment of these communities heralds hope for the future and affirms the effectiveness of the state’s strategic interventions in addressing fundamental needs within its neighborhoods.
As the ceremony also marked the one-year anniversary of the agency’s board, Adeaga thanked Governor Makinde for his ongoing support and for approving an additional 28 projects, in addition to 132 micro-projects for 66 communities that were recently disbursed. This increase in project funding from ₦15 million to ₦18 million per Community Development Plan is a testament to the governor’s responsiveness to the rising costs of materials and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the populace. Such adjustments embody the government’s proactive stance toward ensuring equitable growth and access to essential services across the state.
In his closing remarks, Adeaga extended gratitude to various stakeholders, including the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria, for their pivotal roles in supporting community development initiatives. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the agency’s workforce, recognizing their contributions in executing these projects effectively. The collaboration among community members, governmental support, and external partnerships illustrates a model of community development that could inspire similar projects in other regions, deepening the commitment to fostering resilient, self-sustaining communities in Oyo State.
