The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has recently taken a significant step towards community development by disbursing funds for the implementation of 132 micro-projects across sixty-six communities in Oyo State. This move was announced during a training programme held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, where the focus was on project implementation procedures to enhance resilience and economic recovery.
Hon. Abideen Adeaga, the Board Chairman of OYCSDA, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in approving the collaboration programme with the World Bank and the Federal Government to achieve the goals of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Oyo State. The NG-CARES initiative, known as OYO-CARES in the state, aims to alleviate the negative impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, unemployed youths, small businesses, and farmers.
Adeaga highlighted the significant interventions made by the program across 66 communities, marking a historic milestone in the state’s community development efforts. He also commended the Governor for increasing project funding from ₦15 million to ₦18 million to ensure the successful completion of community-driven micro-infrastructure projects in areas such as healthcare, education, water, and erosion control.
The Chairman emphasized that these efforts are geared towards addressing various challenges faced by communities, including the out-of-school children crisis, erosion control, and access to essential services. Projects include the construction and renovation of schools, provision of furniture and toilets, culverts construction for erosion control, renovation of community health centers, and installation of motorized boreholes in various communities.
Mr. Jelili Salau, the General Manager of OYCSDA, highlighted the dual purpose of the training programme, which aimed to build the capacity of Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) and initiate the disbursement of funds for community projects. He praised the Governor’s decision to approve funds for 66 concurrent projects and stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for the program’s success.
Salau explained that the NG-CARES initiative utilizes a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, empowering communities to identify, plan, implement, and manage their own micro-projects. OYCSDA ensures quality standards, supervision, and effective financing throughout the process to ensure successful project implementation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various dignitaries, including the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Projects Intervention, Hon. Tiamiyu Suraju, and other key stakeholders. The collaborative efforts of all parties involved are crucial for the success of the OYO-CARES programme and the overall development of communities in Oyo State.
This initiative represents a significant step towards community empowerment and sustainable development in Oyo State, showcasing the commitment of the government and stakeholders to improving the lives of residents and fostering economic growth.