From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Residents across 30 communities in Oyo State have expressed excitement following the disbursement of funds for 60 new micro-projects by the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA).
The disbursement ceremony, which took place at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan on Tuesday, marked a significant milestone in the State’s grassroots development drive. The projects — identified based on the “felt-needs” of each community — include the construction and renovation of schools and health centers, erosion control through the construction of culverts and drainages, and the provision of potable water through motorized boreholes.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of OYCSDA, Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to community development. He revealed that the approved micro-projects span 18 blocks of three-classroom buildings, seven health centers, five culvert and drainage systems, and 30 motorized boreholes.
“These projects are part of Governor Makinde’s roadmap to sustainable development under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda,” Adeaga said. “They aim to provide access to essential services such as healthcare, education, clean water, and safer roads, thereby improving the quality of life across rural communities.”
He noted that the micro-projects will not only provide infrastructure but also stimulate local employment, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance access to education and health services.
Adeaga further explained that when OYO-CARES launched in 2022, only 48 communities were targeted with a grant cap of ₦15 million per project. However, due to inflation and rising costs, the grant amount was raised to ₦18 million, and more communities were included through supplementary funding. He said a total of 256 micro-projects have now been implemented across 114 communities in the state.
“In a commendable move, Governor Makinde recently approved another round of funding to cover 30 more communities. This shows his determination to extend the reach of his administration’s impact to every corner of the state,” Adeaga added.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Project Monitoring, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, urged the benefiting communities to carry out the projects with transparency and accountability. He emphasized that the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) would be monitoring the implementation to ensure proper use of public funds.
Appreciating the state government and OYCSDA on behalf of the benefiting communities, Chairman of the Agbedo Community Management Committee, Prof. Israel Adesiyan, lauded the initiative and said the intervention would bring lasting benefits. He assured that the communities would continue to support the Seyi Makinde-led government and pray for its success.
The projects are expected to commence immediately, with residents already anticipating the positive transformation they will bring to their communities.