DAWN commission, foundation sign MoU to revolutionise grassroots devt

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the Ara Growth and Development Foundation (AGDF) from the Ara Community in Osun State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance grassroots development.

During the signing ceremony held on Thursday at the DAWN office in Cocoa House, Ibadan, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, explained that the MoU aims to implement the Community-Led Development Toolkit (COLDET) project. This initiative represents a significant milestone in grassroots development efforts in Southwest Nigeria.

He added that the project is designed to transform community development, with the Ara community serving as the pilot area for the innovative toolkit. This initiative will empower township associations to take ownership of their development trajectory.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to sustainable regional development. By empowering communities to identify their unique assets and opportunities, we are building capacity for long-term self-reliance.

“What makes COLDET different is its structured approach to community engagement and its focus on evidence-based prioritisation.

“This partnership represents a fundamental shift in how we approach community development by transitioning from traditional top-down approaches to a more sustainable bottom-up model,”

Also speaking the , Alara of Ara Kingdom, Oba Dr. Olubayo Adesola Windapo, appreciate the DAWN commision for the partnership .

Oba Windapo who led the AGDF delegation to the event, stressed that the partnership will help the growth and development of the Ara Community.

While he aswell appreciate the DAWN commission’s leadership at the grassroots level through the initiative.

The monarch who is the convener of the AGDF initiative further added that the initiative will help promote the development of other communities in Osun state.

“ We appreciate the DAWN Commission for accepting this project and for giving us assurance of the success of the initiative

“Our belief is that this partnership will help the growth and development of the Ara kingdom and other communities in Osun state “.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the AGDF Steering Committee , Dr Tunji Olugbodi expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that , “The AGDF has established an ARA2035 Agenda to transform our ancient community”

He added that the initiative is meant to address some developmental issues in the the communities , foster collaborations, change of the orientation of people that government can do it all , promote education among youths, promote development of infrastructural facilities, create more employment’s opportunities for youths among others.

“ This coincides perfectly with DAWN’s COLDET project, making it an ideal collaboration. Together, we will demonstrate how communities can lead their own development with the right tools and support.”

In his speech, the COLDET Project Lead, Segun Balogun noted that the project will empower local stakeholders to systematically identify assets, prioritise needs, and implement sustainable projects.

“The project will implement an integrated framework approach, combining systems Practice with other frameworks to provide communities with comprehensive tools for self-assessment and development planning.

“The four-month pilot programme will include comprehensive community mapping, resource assessment, stakeholder engagement, and the development of strategic frameworks.

“The lessons learned from Ara will inform the toolkit’s refinement before expansion to other communities across Southwest Nigeria.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in changing Nigeria’s development model, addressing the long-standing challenge of misaligned priorities and unsustainable outcomes in community development projects.

“ About DAWN Commission , The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission is the dedicated implementation agency for the sustainable development of Southwest Nigeria, while Ara Growth & Development Foundation The Ara Growth & Development Foundation (AGDF) focuses on comprehensive development initiatives for Ara Community with a vision for transformation by 2035”.

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