There is no gainsaying the fact that Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi has championed unprecedented community-driven development in Ijesaland.
8 years ago, His chieftaincy conferment as the first-ever Asiwaju of Ilesa, alongside his wife, Yeye Asiwaju Dr. Olubusi Fasuyi, was done by the late Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on October 22, 2016.
This honor marked the beginning of Fasuyi’s relentless efforts to elevate Ijesaland through various impactful initiatives.
One of his major achievements is the construction of the ultra-modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace, completed in just 9 months, even amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
This milestone earned him further recognition, leading to his and his wife’s elevation to the prestigious titles of Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Ijesaland in December 2020.
Among his numerous contributions to the development of Ijesaland are:
1. IBEDC and Ijesaland Power Restoration: Fasuyi intervened during a power crisis in 2019, reducing what could have been a 5-year electricity outage in Ijesaland to less than 3 months.
2. Unity of Traditional Rulers and Communities: Fasuyi organized unity meetings among Ijesaland’s traditional rulers, fostering peace and collaboration.
3. Heroes of Ijesa Unity: He introduced this initiative to promote solidarity among the 200 communities in Ijesaland, mobilizing N16 million for Ilare-Ijesa after a natural disaster.
4. WAEC Fees Payment: Through his foundation, Fasuyi has consistently paid WAEC fees for public secondary school students in the six LGAs of Ijesaland, benefiting hundreds of students annually.
5. Ijesa Youth Development Fund: Fasuyi seeded this fund with N12 million to support youth entrepreneurship and vocational training, with the aim of mobilizing NGN 60 million for the region’s development.
6. Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF): He established this forum to address environmental hazards related to mining activities in the area.
7. University of Ilesa: Fasuyi played a key role in the upgrade of Osun State College of Education to a full-fledged university, which was formalized in 2022.
8. Geriatric Centre: Fasuyi spearheaded the construction of the largest geriatric center in West Africa, located in Ijesaland, completed in 2022.
9. Ijesa Health Initiative: Fasuyi has been pivotal in the healthcare sector, supporting various medical outreach programs aimed at providing free medical services to the less privileged in Ijesaland. These programs cover surgeries, eye care, dental care, and general health screenings, significantly improving health access for thousands of people.
10. Scholarship Programs: Beyond paying WAEC fees, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi has sponsored numerous scholarships for indigent students from Ijesaland, enabling them to pursue tertiary education within and outside Nigeria. This initiative has been vital in shaping the futures of many youths .
11. Owa’s Palace Renovation and Expansion: His leadership in constructing the ultra-modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace in Ilesa stands as a symbol of cultural pride and a center for administrative and cultural activities. This project not only preserves the heritage of Ijesaland but also positions it as a tourist attraction, contributing to the local economy.
12. Promotion of Cultural Heritage: Fasuyi has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ijesaland. He has sponsored several festivals and cultural events, including the Iwude Ijesa Festival, fostering unity and keeping the traditions of the land alive for future generations.
13. Empowerment of Ijesa Youths: Through his initiatives, Fasuyi has created numerous opportunities for the empowerment of Ijesa youths. From vocational training programs to entrepreneurship workshops, Fasuyi’s efforts are geared toward equipping the youth with skills and resources for self-sustainability.
14. Infrastructure Development: Fasuyi has been involved in several infrastructure projects in Ijesaland, from road constructions to the provision of public amenities, such as boreholes and electricity, aimed at improving the quality of life for Ijesa residents.
15. Education Advocacy: As an advocate of education, Fasuyi has funded the renovation of several schools and libraries in Ijesaland.
His commitment to education reflects his belief in its power to transform society, and his interventions have improved the learning environment for many students .
16. Economic Development: Fasuyi’s establishment of the Ijesa Youth Development Fund, among other economic interventions, is targeted at promoting entrepreneurship and boosting the local economy. His focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has created jobs and enhanced the livelihoods of many families in Ijesaland.
17. Ijesaland Leadership Forum: Fasuyi has facilitated the creation of platforms where leaders and stakeholders of Ijesaland come together to deliberate on critical issues affecting our community. This forum has been instrumental in driving strategic decisions for the development and progress of Ijesaland.
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi’s unwavering dedication and vision for the holistic development of Ijesaland have earned him immense respect and admiration within the community. His contributions, both seen and felt, continue to inspire many, ensuring a bright future for the people of Ijesaland.
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