The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) on Monday, February 9, 2026, commenced the first day of its ONE-DAY TRAINING programme aimed at strengthening grassroots development planning across Ijesaland.
The first day of the training, themed “Community Needs Identification and Appraisal for the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF)”, was held at the Ibokun Town Hall, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
Proceedings opened with a prayer led by Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope, followed by the presentation of representatives from the 10 wards in Obokun Local Government. Wards 6, 7 and 10 were, however, absent.
The Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland, led members of the ICDA management to the event. Others in attendance included Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Dr. George Adigun Adewoye, Prince Akin Olatunbosun, Mr. Bukola Fadipe, Erelu Jumoke Olafadehan, Prince Demola Adeyeye and Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope.
In his welcome address, Asiwaju Fasuyi outlined the objectives of the gathering and formally presented members of the ICDA management. He also commended Rev. Gbenga Osungboun, Chairman of the IDF in Obokun Local Government, for his leadership.
The elected IDF executives for Obokun Local Government were were in attendance; Rev. Gbenga Osungboun (Chairman), Apostle Asaolu James (Vice Chairman), Mrs. Famakinde Adenike (Secretary), Chief Olayiwola Abesin (Financial Secretary), Mr. Ojo Solomon (Treasurer), Mr. Eniola Rotimi (Project Officer), Mr. Adetayo Adeyemi (Assistant Financial Secretary), Mr. Fatila Oyeyemi (Assistant General Secretary) and Chief Oladejo Ojo (Assistant Treasurer), alongside ward executives.
The event was graced by several Traditional Rulers and dignitaries including HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro (Alademure of Ibokun), HRM Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi (Owa Ooye of Imesi-Ile), HRM Oba Adejoro Otebolaku (Owalare of Ilare), HRM Oba Isiaka Jimoh Adesina ( Alase of Ilase); HRM Oba Michael Babatunde Adedeji (Adooko of Idooko-Ijesa), HRM Oba Edward Adebayo Adetimo (Olomu of Ijaregbe), HRM Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Otebolaku (Owalare of Ilare), among others.
Other dignitaries present included Bishop Adewale, President of the Ibokun Indigenous Association; Prof. Niyi Okunlola of the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Mrs. Omotoso Grace Eniola, Special Assistant to the governor of Osun State Governor on Cooperative and Empowerment
Explaining the rationale for the programme, ICDA recalled the formal launch of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) on October 21, 2025, describing it as a visionary, ward-based and inclusive framework designed to drive sustainable development across Ijesaland. Asiwaju Fasuyi noted that past development efforts were supported by only about 615 contributors out of an estimated 1,299,390.
He highlighted key projects executed through ICDA contributions, including the ultra-modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace, the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, scholarship schemes for indigent students and agricultural training initiatives.
He also disclosed recent economic interventions, including a revolving loan scheme facilitated through the Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment, supported by a ₦68 million counterpart fund from ICDA and ₦32 million from the Owa Obokun. Ijesaland, he said, was the first in Osun State to benefit from the initiative, with eligible wards expected to access the facility upon completion of cooperative registration.
A major highlight of the training was a presentation by Prof. Niyi Okunlola, a World Bank consultant, on community needs identification and assessment. His lecture covered types of community needs, principles of effective needs assessment—such as participation, inclusiveness, objectivity, transparency, cultural sensitivity and sustainability—as well as practical tools including needs assessment checklists, ranking and scoring matrices, and follow-up mechanisms.
The session featured interactive discussions and a question-and-answer segment.
The programme concluded with a presentation on the formation of ward-by-ward cooperative societies by Mr. Olayemi Olawale, Director of Cooperative Training, and Mr. Awoyera Yekini, Area Officer, Obokun Local Government, both from the Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment.
The training continues on Tuesday, February 10, at Iperindo Town Hall, Atakumosa East; Wednesday, February 11, at Ijebu-Jesa Town Hall, Oriade; Thursday, February 12, at Osun Town Hall, Atakumosa West; and concludes at Obokungbusi City Hall for Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Governments.
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Coverage Script ✍️ Camera 📸 Credit Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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