In a significant stride towards the sustainable development of Ijesaland, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has endorsed the proposed Ijesaland Development Fund (IDF) initiated by the Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA).
The endorsement was given during a courtesy visit by the ICDA leadership led by its Chairman, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, to the palace of the Owa Obokun.
Owa Haastrup lauded the numerous interventions by the Assembly across different sectors, affirming that they align with the developmental dreams of the Ijesa ancestors.
The monarch commended the patriotic efforts of Ijesa sons and daughters making generous contributions to community advancement, urging them not to relent in their commitment to the land of their birth.
In his address, Asiwaju Fasuyi explained that the Ijesaland Development Fund is designed to pool financial resources from all Ijesas aged 21 and above, as well as non-indigenes benefitting from the land’s socio-economic opportunities.
Contributions are expected to range from a minimum of ₦1,000 to a maximum of ₦1 million annually.
The fund, slated to commence in January 2026, will cater to developmental needs across the six local government areas in Ijesaland.
Asiwaju Fasuyi further revealed that each ward within the councils would have a representative on a proposed committee that will conduct a needs assessment to identify priority projects in their localities.
Among those on Asiwaju Fasuyi’s entourage during the palace visit were Elder Lowo Adeniyi, Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Olatunbosun, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Prince Ademola Adeyeye, and Mrs. Yemisi Falope, Mr Bukola Fadipe
Dignitaries present included traditional rulers such as the Ogboni of Ipole, Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oloja of Ibodi, Ado Oko of Ido Oko, Ogboni of Ilesa, Apetu of Ipetu Ijesa, Loro of Ilesa, Onikoti of Ikoti, Risa of Ijamo, and Losare of Isare.
In a related development, the Ijesa Community Development Assembly, in collaboration with the Leventis Foundation Agricultural Training School, Imo, Ilesa, disbursed non-refundable grants worth approximately ₦9 million to 38 young agricultural trainees to support their ventures in agribusiness.
The beneficiaries, all graduates of the 2024 ICDA-Leventis Agricultural Training Programme, will engage in various agro-enterprises including poultry, fishery, crop production, piggery, and cassava and plantain farming.
At the empowerment ceremony held in Ilesa earlier today, representatives of ICDA emphasized the need for discipline, accountability, and prudent management of the grants.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Reverend Lowo Adebiyi, ICDA Secretary, and Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Chairman of the ICDA-Leventis Partnership Committee, cautioned the beneficiaries against misuse of the funds.
They announced that each recipient would sign a commitment agreement and warned that defaulters would be blacklisted from future opportunities.
In his remarks, Dr. Popoola Makinde, Principal of the Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, applauded ICDA’s rare and commendable efforts in empowering youths through agriculture.
He urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and become responsible agribusiness leaders.
Some of the empowered youths including Olapade Vincent, Adewusi Seyi, Emmanuel John, and Awogbami Faith expressed profound gratitude, describing the initiative as a life-altering moment.
They pledged to maximize the support in building thriving agricultural businesses and contributing to food security in the region and beyond.
The ICDA has played a pivotal role in various landmark projects in Ijesaland, including the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the Ijesa Geriatric Centre, and the construction of the new Owa’s Palace.
The Assembly has also supported indigent students and vocational trainees in partnership with technical and agricultural institutions.
Owa’s Image/Script: Isaac Haastrup
Leave a Reply