From Akinnodi Francis, Ore
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Determined to showcase the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration’s passion for socio-economic and infrastructural development of the people at the grassroots, the Ondo State Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA), has presented a cheque of 10 million naira to Alubarika Group, Idi-Ogba community to build housing units.

A community leader, Chief Olubukola Ebietomiye said the housing units project was the first of its kind in the history of Idi-Ogba, in Ilaje Local Government area of the state.

He said, “On behalf of the community, I want to appreciate the courage of the state government through the agency for bringing projects to the grassroots. The community is grateful to the government and the World Bank for the gesture”.

According to him, “The community is built on love, progress and unity which have transformed to the current peace and mutual coexistence in th area.

“The development of our town has been solely on communal efforts of our people, the foundation of which our fathers laid years back. We were told that Idi-Ogba people came from Ile-Ife in Osun state to settle  here.

“We have two seasons every year; the rainy and dry seasons. During this period, the dry season we can walk on land and vice verse. Our major occupation is fishing which we trade to train our children in  school because we believe so much in good and quality education.

“Idi-Ogba is the first community in Ilaje to enjoy western education with the only Community Primary School built in 1921 by the community and before its establishment, there was standard education for our fathers. We are all christians, so our communal spirit is strong that we fight the same course”.

Ebietomiye however called on government to consider the community more in its developmental projects, saying the housing units project powered by the World Bank through the state government is a welcome development that will improve the status of the town.

“The project when completed will accommodate the widows and aged in the community. It’s new in Ilaje area and we are ready to take the opportunity with all seriousness”.

Earlier in his address, ODCSDA Operations Manager, Mr. Olumide Igbaroola explained that the group is part of the Gender and Vulnerable Group Support Investment (GVGSI) programme of the agency, targeted at the vulnerables in the society.

“GVGSI is a set of vulnerable people who have common interest and who are willing to work together to access common social and natural resource infrastructure services”.

He reaffirmed that the projects are community self driven through direct labour, adding that the government is committed to empowerment of citizens.

Igbaroola said successful completion of the housing units project would go a long way in improving the lives of people in the area especially the widows, aged and less privileged urging them to be united to achieve success.

“Development and engagement of aged people will definitely improve their status and the social as well as economic growth of Idi-Ogba. I want you all to show commitment and determination to make the project a success”, he urged.