In a significant move to address infrastructure deficits and economic challenges, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has disbursed funds for the execution of 38 micro-projects across 14 communities in the state.
As stated in a release signed by Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan, Project Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA), this initiative, facilitated by OYCSDA, is part of the broader Nigerian Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.
The fund disbursement followed a comprehensive training session for Community Project Management Committees (CPMC), held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Thursday. The training, declared open by Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga, Chairman of OYCSDA, highlighted the importance of community-driven development in ensuring the success and sustainability of these projects.
Addressing the participants, Hon. Adeaga emphasized the critical role of local communities in managing and completing the projects.
“The Oyo State Government, led by His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, is well aware of the prevailing infrastructural deficit and current harsh economic realities of the people of Oyo State.
“I can confirm that His Excellency is not only determined to ameliorate our situation but is also passionate and committed to taking us from poverty to prosperity,” he stated
Hon. Adeaga further explained the dual principles guiding the OYCSDA’s approach—community-driven development (CDD) and the programme for result (P4R). “The State government initially funds projects but gets reimbursed by the World Bank after the projects have been successfully completed, functional, and are utilized according to standard, within the given time frame,” he added.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of OYCSDA, Mr. Salau Jelili, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for including Oyo State in the NG-CARES program and for providing the necessary funds to kickstart these vital micro-projects. He outlined that NG-CARES targets vulnerable and poor households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on improving basic social infrastructure in education, health, erosion control, nutrition, water, and sanitation.
Also present at the event, Mr. Lawal Kehinde, representing the OYS-CARES Coordinating Unit, stressed the need for unity, accountability, and transparency in executing the projects. He urged the committee members to involve other community members, ensuring that everyone has a sense of ownership and participation in the development process.
Among the communities benefiting from these initiatives are Isokan CPMC in Ibadan South-West, Olorunkemi CPMC in Kajola, Ogo-Oluwa CPMC in Olorunsogo, and Ofa-Igbo CPMC in Lagelu. Others include Ojoo-Olanla CPMC in Akinyele, Ebedi CPMC in Iseyin, and several other communities across the state.
This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the infrastructure gap in Oyo State, with a focus on sustainable development and community empowerment.
