Francis Akinnodi, Ore
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The people of Ondo South Senatorial district, have described the rural door-to-door micro-projects of Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA), a World Bank Assisted, as life touching.

DLGA, Irele Local Government, Engineer Raphael Famutimi said this during the official presentation of cheque to a disabled group, “Igbehinadun Group” by ODCSDA to build a vocational training center and procure equipments, in Ode Irele.

Famutimi described the programme as another giant stride of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration specially aimed at giving succor to the voiceless citizens and putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged through provision of improved social and natural resource infrastructure.

“I want to salute the courage of the state government and in particular the agency for bringing the project to the grassroots. I believe the beneficiaries are getting the best from the state government and I want you to take the opportunity seriously.

“There is ability in disability so do not see yourselves that you want to depend on people for life, be self reliant. When you start the project, be open to yourselves and welcome suggestions in order to achieve the objectives”.

According to the acting LG chairman, “Your success in this project will attract more people to benefit from similar programmes and also encourage government to do more in teams of development”.

He stated that Governor Akeredolu’s participatory style of governance is demonstration of the trust and belief in the resourcefulness, resilience and industry of every good citizen and resident of the state, thanked the governor for remembering and encouraging disabled people in his administration.

Leader of the group, Mr. Isaac Akinyomi said, “It is a privilege for us to be somebody great in the society and we want to thank the government and the World Bank for this opportunity.

“We are more than determined to succeed in this project so I want to encourage my group to put in their best to prove people wrong that disability is not the end of life. We can be the best if we are determined and committed”, he added.

Early, ODCSDA General Manager, Mr. Bosun Ogundipe represented at the event by the Operations Manager, Olumide Igbaroola described Vulnerable Group as a set of vulnerable people who have common interest and who are willing to work together to access common social and natural resources infrastructure services supported by the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP).

He reaffirmed the resolve and commitment of the agency with full support of the Ondo state government in giving policy guidelines for the smooth administration of the project in the state and will continue to contribute and partner rural dwellers to deliver development deliverables.

The ODCSDA boss said the projects are community self driven through direct labour adding that the state government is interested in engaging citizens to be self reliance.

“Development and engagement of disabled persons will definitely improve their statues and the economic growth of their environment. I want to urge you all to show total commitment and determination to make the project successful”.

According to him, “Successful completion of these projects will go a long way in reducing the poverty level of the beneficiaries, communities and the state in general.”

He advised the beneficiaries to always have meetings and be accountable to one another to avoid misunderstandings that could  jeopardize the project.

Other benefitted groups and communities with their projects include, Egbe Iranlowo; construction of vocational training center and procurement of boat engine, Tumininu Group; construction of vocational training center and procurement of equipments, Ilarama community; construction of walkway and installation of street lights and Ilepete community; construction of 400 meter walkway and renovation of block of 3 classrooms.

The Hope reports that over forty three million naira was presented by the agency to the beneficiaries at the event.