The Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) in Osun State announced on Thursday that 185,000 residents of the state have benefited from projects and programs funded by the agency, totaling about two billion naira, since Senator Ademola Adeleke assumed office as the state governor.
During an interview on Osun NUJ Correspondent Chapel’s personality interview program titled ‘News Point’ in Osogbo, the General Manager of the agency in Osun, Mrs. Funmi Abokede, revealed that the projects were executed between November 2022 and January 2023.
Mrs. Abokede explained, “When Governor Ademola Adeleke came to government in November 2022 and we had engagement with them in January 2023, they saw that this agency would help to achieve their 5 developmental agenda and they gave us money about half a billion to start work. It was upon that, that the World Bank gave us a top-up after verification of the beneficiaries.”
She highlighted that 176 micro-projects have been completed, covering health, education, and sanitation, as well as the construction of 64 lock-up shops at Atakumosa market. These projects have significantly impacted various locations across the state.
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The projects, aimed at complementing the efforts of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s macro projects, have reached communities that may not have otherwise witnessed government presence. Mrs. Abokede praised the communities for their commitment to the facilities provided and their willingness to assist government agencies in developing their areas.
In terms of beneficiaries, 94,439 females and 91,286 males have benefited from the projects, which also include 121 water and sanitation, health, education, and lock-up shop projects. Additionally, 92 projects are still ongoing and are expected to be completed soon.
Mrs. Abokede emphasized the agency’s commitment to touching the lives of the downtrodden, vulnerable, and voiceless in society, ensuring they are not forgotten.
She commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his support for the World Bank-supported agency, particularly in releasing counterpart funding for the projects.