Osun Govt Commends World Bank, Others Over Their Roles In Community Development

By Grace Isaac, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has commended the World Bank for actively participating in community development in the state.

This is as the state government stressed that the primary aim of coming into governance is to solve the challenges being faced by people and bridging the gaps between the urban and rural communities.

This commendation was contained in a keynote address by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on the occasion of the 2023 community development celebration held in Osogbo on Thursday.

Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke appreciated the World Bank and Nigeria CARES for standing with the state government.

“This address will not be complete without congratulating Osun CSDA for great achievements of the agency and for putting this event together.

“The state government is encouraged to do more for the agency so as to bring about more results that the state can showcase and be proud of.

“Permit me to appreciate the World Bank, through the Task Team Leader (TTL) Professor, Foluso Okunmadewa for the support to the state. I equally thank the National Coordinating Unit of Nigeria CARES, under the able leadership of Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje. God will continue to support them all.”

Governor Adeleke also charged the communities to continue supporting his government and urged them to live in peace.

“Continue to support this government, and live together in peace and harmony, see development as our collective responsibility and join hands with the government to take our state to its pride of place.

He noted that the programme was part of activities lined up to commemorate the one year in office of the administration.

He also maintained that community development goes beyond mere saying as it bothers on empowerment that is homegrown and involves active participation of stakeholders.

“When community members agree to take collective actions on issues that are important to their lives, then they are capable of using local resources are used to solve local challenges

Governance on the other hand is about development.

“In Osun state of today, I make bold to say that we have chosen to take development of the state as a purpose, by taking full responsibility of it, and that is why we are now having communities that are stronger and more cohesive.

“I am happy and proud to say that this administration is reaching, touching and transforming communities in the state. Just within the spate of one year and by the intervention of Osun CSDA alone One Hundred and Thirty Four (134) communities and Thirteen (13) Vulnerable Groups were mobilized with fund to implement Two Hundred and Eight (208) Micro Projects, and Sixty- Four (64) Locked-Up Shops with solar lights at Atakunmosa Market.

“One Hundred and Twenty Seven (127) micro projects have been completed. There are witnesses from such communities here today to attest to this fact.”

Speaking, the Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Ganiyu Olaoluwa, said the Adeleke administration in its first year reduced the untold hardship on the people of the state.

He also urged the people to look inwards and think of ways everyone could develop the state.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the General Manager, Osun State Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA) Aderonke Funmi Abokede, revealed that Governor Adeleke has delivered on his five point development agenda with the provision of democracy dividend to the people.

She also added that electoral promises are translated into needed social amenities and development through the Osun CSDA.

The theme for this year’s community development celebration is, “Taking Ownership of our Development”.