By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
A new community-driven development framework aimed at strengthening grassroots participation, accountability, and local security across Ijesaland has been unveiled by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland and Chairman of the Ijesa Community Development Association (ICDA).
The framework proposes that streets, wards, districts, and communities should function as development “agencies,” with residents serving as stakeholders, similar to service-delivery structures used in formal institutions. The approach is designed to bring development closer to the people while strengthening ownership and shared responsibility at the grassroots.
Asiwaju Fasuyi said the development of Ijesaland must be treated as a collective obligation of all sons and daughters of the land, both at home and in the diaspora, except in cases where individuals are genuinely constrained by resources.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Ijesaland has introduced a community-based development framework to strengthen grassroots participation, accountability, and local security.
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Streets, wards, districts, and communities are to function as development agencies, with residents acting as active stakeholders.
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Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi says development must be treated as a collective responsibility of all sons and daughters of Ijesaland.
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Individuals and groups are encouraged to initiate independent development projects that contribute meaningfully to community progress.
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Such initiatives will continue to enjoy the goodwill and moral backing of His Imperial Majesty, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
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Development activities across the 64 wards and six local government areas will be periodically reviewed and documented.
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Outcomes from these reviews will form an Annual Ijesaland Development Performance Record.
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The report will be presented during the Iwude Ijesa Unity Festival, when Ijesa sons and daughters return home from around the world.
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The framework seeks to promote a civic culture anchored on responsibility, service, and ethical leadership.
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Community members are expected to demand verifiable records of service from individuals seeking leadership positions.
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Recognised platforms for service include ICDA projects, Iwude Ijesa societies and clubs, street and ward initiatives, schools’ old students’ associations, and newly created development platforms.
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The initiative forms part of activities marking the first anniversary of the reign of Owa Obokun Adimula, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
Beyond outlining the framework, Asiwaju Fasuyi explained that individuals or groups who may not find expression within existing development platforms are free to initiate independent projects or champion new causes, provided such efforts are genuinely directed at advancing Ijesaland. He added that such initiatives would continue to enjoy the goodwill and moral backing of the Owa Obokun.
On implementation, Asiwaju Fasuyi said development activities across the 64 wards and six local government areas of Ijesaland would be periodically documented and reviewed to enable performance tracking, comparative assessment, and identification of gaps.
He noted that the outcomes of these reviews would be compiled into an Annual Ijesaland Development Performance Record, to be formally presented during the annual Iwude Ijesa Unity Festival.
According to him, the initiative is designed to help nurture a civic culture anchored on responsibility, service, and ethical leadership. Over time, community members would increasingly demand verifiable evidence of service from individuals seeking leadership or elective positions.
Asiwaju Fasuyi stressed that individuals who fail to show involvement in any recognised development effort risk being perceived as contributing little to the collective progress of Ijesaland.
He expressed optimism that the holistic pursuit of these development pathways, combined with the ideas and contributions of other enterprising sons and daughters of the land, would usher in a new phase of growth, accountability, and inclusive development.
The initiative forms part of activities marking the first anniversary of the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Obokun Adimula, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, which stakeholders hope will be remembered for purpose, impact, and sustainable progress.
— Newspot Nigeria
