An impressive and highly participatory turnout of traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders marked the third day of the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) capacity-building programme on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The One-Day Training, themed “Community Needs Identification and Appraisal for the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF)”, was held at the Ijebu-Jesa Town Hall in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. The event attracted representatives from all 12 wards in the council area, alongside prominent monarchs and key stakeholders from across Ijesaland.
Royal fathers in attendance included Oba Engr. Olufemi Agunsoye, Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa and royal host of the event; Oba Saliu Apoti, Ajagunla of Apoti; Oba Aderogba Akinbayode, Alapeju of Ilupeju, Ipetu-Ijesa; Oba Dr. Akeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa; Oba Dr. Fagbeyide Akinola, Alayetoro of Ayetori-Ijesa; Oba Adeshina Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi, Onitegun of Itegun-Ijesa; Oba Augustine Alawolodu Olanipekun, Elere of Ere-Ijesa; Oba Sunday Farohun, Ewi Oke-Ogun; Oba Ogungbemi Abimbola, Alarobole of Arobole Omo-Ijesa; Oba Titus Oladele Bejide, Olu of Afinbiokin; Oba Adebisi Owoeye, Olodogo of Odogo-Ijesa; Oba Julius Oluropo Fatanmi, Olura of Ira; Oba Michael Ademola Adejola, Olomo of Omo-Ijesa; Oba Amos Adewumi Ogidiolu, Onitiye of Iwoye-Ijesa; and Oba Abdullateef Adebayo Sarumi, Olu of Orisunbare Jubrila, Ipetu-Ijesa, among others.
The Ijesa Development Fund initiative, spearheaded by the Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi-chaired Ijesa Community Development Assembly, serves as a vital catalyst for balanced development across the six Local Government Areas of Ijesaland.
This is the assertion made by the Elegboro of Ijebujesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, at the One-Day public lecture on Community News Identification and Appraisal for Ijesa Development Fund.
Oba Agunsoye commended the initiative, stating that its implementation would not only expedite development but also instill a sense of ownership among contributors to the IDF, thereby encouraging them to vigilantly safeguard the proceeds of their collective efforts.
The traditional ruler attributed his strong bond with the Asiwaju to his resilience and love for the unity of Ijesaland, urging other affluent sons and daughters of Ijesaland to support the ICDA in actualizing the vision of elevating the land to greater heights.
Similarly, Oba Dr. Akeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, praised the interventions of ICDA and commended the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, for his collaboration and support for the initiative. He urged stakeholders to actively propagate the message of ICDA and mobilise wider participation in the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).
The Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, led members of the ICDA management to the programme. The delegation included Rev. Lowo Adebiyi, Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Dr. George Adigun Adewoye, Dr. Toyin Olalemi, Prince Akin Olatunbosun, Mr. Bukola Fadipe, Erelu Jumoke Olafadehan, and Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope.
Addressing participants, Asiwaju Fasuyi outlined the objectives of the training and formally presented members of the ICDA management. He commended IDF executives across the wards for embracing the ward-based development framework designed to deepen grassroots participation.
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He recalled that the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF), formally launched on October 21, 2025, represents a visionary, inclusive, and decentralised model aimed at driving sustainable development across Ijesaland. According to him, previous development efforts were supported by only about 615 contributors out of an estimated population of 1,299,390, highlighting the need for broader community involvement.
Asiwaju Fasuyi highlighted major 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 further disclosed ongoing economic empowerment efforts, notably a ₦100 million revolving loan scheme for cooperative societies facilitated through the Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment. The scheme is backed by a ₦68 million counterpart contribution from ICDA and ₦32 million from the Owa Obokun. He noted that Ijesaland is the first beneficiary of the initiative in Osun State, with wards expected to access the facility upon completion of cooperative registration.
A key highlight of the training was a comprehensive presentation by Prof. Niyi Okunlola, a World Bank consultant, who delivered an in-depth lecture on community needs identification and assessment. He examined the types of community needs and emphasised guiding principles such as participation, inclusiveness, objectivity, transparency, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability.
Prof. Okunlola also introduced practical tools for effective needs assessment, including structured checklists, ranking and scoring matrices, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that development projects align with genuine community priorities and deliver long-term benefits.
The session featured interactive discussions and a robust question-and-answer segment, reflecting strong engagement from participants.
The programme concluded with a presentation by Mr. Yekinni Awoyera, representative of the Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment, on the formation of ward-based cooperative societies as a strategic platform for accessing development funds and empowerment initiatives.
The training continues on Thursday, February 12, at Osu Town Hall, Atakumosa West, and will conclude at Obokungbusi City Hall for Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas.
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