The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) on Thursday, February 12, 2026, held the fourth session of its ongoing one-day capacity-building training programme at the Osu Town Hall in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State.
The training, themed “Community Needs Identification and Appraisal for the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF),” attracted representatives from all the eleven wards in the council area, alongside royal fathers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders from across Ijesaland.
The programme is designed to equip community leaders with practical tools to identify and prioritise development needs in their various communities, in line with the objectives of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).
Call for Greater Participation
Addressing participants, the Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, outlined the objectives of the training and formally introduced members of the ICDA management team. He commended ward executives of the IDF for embracing the ward-based development model aimed at deepening grassroots participation.
Asiwaju Fasuyi called on more well-to-do Ijesa sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ijesaland and “write their names in the book of the history of time.”
He recalled that the Ijesa Development Fund, launched on October 21, 2025, represents a visionary and decentralised approach to sustainable development across the six local government areas of Ijesaland.
According to him, previous development efforts were supported by only about 615 contributors out of an estimated population of 1,299,390, underscoring the need for broader community involvement.
IDF Ambassadors Announced
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of individuals who have paid a minimum of ₦1 million into each of the six local government areas, thereby qualifying as “Ambassadors” of the Ijesa Development Fund.
Those recognised include:
Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III – ₦6 million
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi – ₦6 million
Mr Supo Shadiya – ₦6 million
Sir Olalekan Oyeleye – ₦6 million
Dr. Ademola Aladekomo – ₦6 million
Dame Erelu Olusola Obada – ₦6 million
Organisers said the donations would further strengthen the financial base of the IDF to support impactful, community-driven projects.
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Royal Fathers Commend Initiative
Royal fathers and community leaders in attendance included the Chairman of Atakumosa West Traditional Council, Oba Omisade Agboluaje, Looja of Ibodi; Oba Dr. Adewale Ojarotade, Alaa of Ilaa-Ijesa; Oba David Olaniyi Adewumi, Oba Imoro-Ijesa; Oba Stephen Babatunde Aluko, Oniberekodo-Ijesa; Oba Ademiju Opeyemi, Asua of Asua-Ijesa; Oba Adekunle Ajewole, Alaye-Ijesa; Oba Emmanuel Olufemi Olowolagba, Olopoye of Ipoye-Ijesa; Oba Oluwagbemiga Omole, Olumoroko of Muroko; Oba Ademilola Atayero, Olususi of Ilususi; Oba Adebisi Gboleni, Onimelu of Timile Ifewara; Oba Oluyemi Oyeleye Falode, Olosin of Osin-Ijesa, among others.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Olosu-in-Council, Oba Jethro Adejola commended the initiative, noting that it would accelerate development and instill a sense of ownership among contributors.
In his remarks, Oba Omisade Agboluaje, Looja of Ibodi, praised Asiwaju Fasuyi and his team for the initiative. He called for unity among traditional rulers across Ijesaland and donated to each of the six local government areas. He also urged royal fathers to sensitise their communities about the IDF to boost participation.
Projects and Economic Empowerment
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi highlighted several projects executed through ICDA contributions, including the ultra-modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace, the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, a health insurance scheme for indigent elderly persons, scholarship schemes for students of Federal Science and Technical College, Ilesa, agric-entrepreneur training at Leventis Agricultural Training School, and the training of 75 youths in computer and phone repairs at RLG-Adulawo.
He further disclosed a ₦100 million revolving loan scheme for cooperative societies facilitated through the Osun State Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment. The scheme is supported by a ₦68 million counterpart contribution from ICDA and ₦32 million from the Owa Obokun. Ijesaland, he said, is the first beneficiary in Osun State.
Expert Lecture and Interactive Session
A comprehensive lecture was delivered by Alagba Wale Idowu, former Director General of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, who spoke on community needs identification and assessment. He emphasised principles such as participation, inclusiveness, transparency, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability, while introducing practical tools including checklists and ranking matrices.
The session featured interactive discussions and a question-and-answer segment, reflecting strong engagement from participants.
The programme concluded with a presentation by Mr. Olayemi Olawale, Director of Cooperative Training at the Osun State Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment, on the formation of ward-based cooperative societies as platforms for accessing development funds.
The ICDA delegation included Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Dr. George Adigun Adewoye, Prince Akin Olatunbosun, Mr. Bukola Fadipe, and Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope, alongside operational staff.
The training series is scheduled to conclude on Friday at Obokungbusi City Hall for participants from Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas.
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