•We hope to do more – Gov. Adeleke

Mrs Funmi Abokede, the General Manager, Osun State Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA) revealed that Governor Adeleke has delivered on his five point development agenda with the provision of democracy dividend to the people.

The Manager made this statement at the occasion of the 2023 community development celebration held in Osogbo on Thursday.

“Education is the key to eliminating inequality and reduction of poverty; hence the implementation of 42 education projects (Blocks of classrooms, science laboratories; and skills acquisition centres for persons with disabilities)

“The administration of his Excellency, the executive Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke is very keen in improving the quality of life of Osun citizens and in-fact one of the development agenda of Mr Governor is infrastructure development; hence the provision of these 65 motorized boreholes and 8 hand pumps boreholes. These interventions have accelerated access to Portable water.

“The government of Osun state is willing and committed to ensuring Inclusion through the funding of socially inclusive micro projects for persons with disabilities. The Projects funded are; Constructed The and Dye (Adore work station), Rehabilitated skills acquisition centre, skills acquisition materials and Health related project and mobility aids.

“Also, 8 blocks of ventilated improved pit(VIP) toilets were constructed and these have contributed to reduction of open defecation and also enhanced healthy living.

“The improvement of basic economic and livelihoods of the people of Osun state with Iconic project of the constructed 64 locked up shops and 8-installed solar light at Atakunmosa market, 64 lock up market shops and 127 pro-poor, functional, gender sensitive, socially inclusive, multisectoral micro projects have been completed by different communities in Osun state.”

She also added that electoral promises are translated into needed social amenities and development through the Osun CSDA.

Ganiyu Olaoluwa, the Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, in his address stated that the Adeleke administration has in its first year reduced the untold hardship on the people of the state.

He also urged the people to look inwards and think of ways everyone could develop the state.

In his address, the Osun State Government has lauded World Bank for partnering in the state actively in participating towards community development projects.

This is as the state government stressed that the primary aim of coming into governance is to solve the challenges being faced by people and bridging the gaps between the urban and rural communities.

This commendation was contained in a keynote address by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, noted that Adeleke appreciated the World Bank and Nigeria CARES for standing with the state government.

“This address will not be complete without congratulating Osun CSDA for great achievements of the agency and for putting this event together.

“The state government is encouraged to do more for the agency so as to bring about more results that the state can showcase and be proud of.

“Permit me to appreciate the World Bank, through the Task Team Leader (TTL) Professor, Foluso Okunmadewa for the support to the state. I equally thank the National Coordinating Unit of Nigeria CARES, under the able leadership of Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje. God will continue to support them all.”

Governor Adeleke also charged the communities to continue supporting his government and urged them to live in peace.

“Continue to support this government, and live together in peace and harmony, see development as our collective responsibility and join hands with the government to take our state to its pride of place.

He noted that the programme was part of activities lined up to commemorate the one year in office of the administration.

He also maintained that community development goes beyond mere saying as it bothers on empowerment that is homegrown and involves active participation of stakeholders.

“When community members agree to take collective actions on issues that are important to their lives, then they are capable of using local resources are used to solve local challenges
Governance on the other hand is about development.

“In Osun state of today, I make bold to say that we have chosen to take development of the state as a purpose, by taking full responsibility of it, and that is why we are now having communities that are stronger and more cohesive.

“I am happy and proud to say that this administration is reaching, touching and transforming communities in the state. Just within the spate of one year and by the intervention of Osun CSDA alone One Hundred and Thirty Four (134) communities and Thirteen (13) Vulnerable Groups were mobilized with fund to implement Two Hundred and Eight (208) Micro Projects, and Sixty- Four (64) Locked-Up Shops with solar lights at Atakunmosa Market.

“One Hundred and Twenty Seven (127) micro projects have been completed. There are witnesses from such communities here today to attest to this fact.”