In a major move aimed at revitalizing indigenous enterprise and strengthening grassroots economic development, the Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has announced the launch of the Ijesaland Cooperative Society (ICS), a community-driven initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, farmers and small-scale business owners across Ijesaland.
The initiative, championed by the Chairman of ICDA, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, is expected to serve as a vehicle for economic rebirth and financial inclusion for Ijesa indigenes engaged in various trades and vocational activities.
According to ICDA, the cooperative society was conceived in response to the growing challenges faced by many indigenous businesses, which have experienced declining competitiveness and reduced participation in local economic activities over the years.
The Ijesaland Cooperative Society is structured to operate across the 64 wards in Ijesaland, providing members with access to revolving loan facilities and other cooperative support mechanisms aimed at boosting enterprise development, wealth creation and employment opportunities.
ICDA stated that the initiative seeks to restore the economic strength of Ijesa entrepreneurs and reposition them for greater participation in commercial activities within and beyond the region.
As part of the formal rollout of the programme, ICDA will present the Certificate of Registration of the Ijesaland Cooperative Society and distribute seed fund cheques to 29 wards that have completed the necessary requirements for participation in the first phase of the project.
The historic event is scheduled to hold on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame, Ilesa, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The ceremony will be performed under the royal chairmanship of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula, who will officially present the registration certificate and distribute seed fund cheques valued at ₦1 million each to the 29 beneficiary wards.
The seed funds, amounting to ₦29 million in the first phase, are expected to serve as revolving loan facilities that will provide immediate financial support to qualified beneficiaries for business expansion, vocational growth and enterprise development.
ICDA expressed optimism that the cooperative society would, over the next decade, help restore indigenous economic capacity, strengthen local entrepreneurship and reclaim commercial opportunities for Ijesa people across various sectors.
The organisation described the initiative as the beginning of a new era of economic renaissance, self-reliance and shared prosperity in Ijesaland.
Among the 29 beneficiary wards in the first phase are wards from Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Obokun and Oriade local government areas.
The event is expected to attract ICDA board members, management officials, leaders of the Ijesaland Development Foundation (IDF), community stakeholders, traditional rulers, cooperative leaders and other prominent sons and daughters of Ijesaland.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi reaffirmed ICDA's commitment to initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth and improve the welfare of the people of Ijesaland.
The Chairman of the Ijesaland Cooperative Society, Chief Akin Olatunbosun, who is coordinating the programme, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Ijesaland and a practical step towards empowering grassroots entrepreneurs and strengthening local economic development.
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