* Says self-help projects are bedrock of development
Self-help projects have been described as the bedrock of community development, as they bring members of communities together to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of their localities, which in turn leads to State and National development.
The Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, stated this during the launching of a N150 million Vocational Training Centre, a self-help project by the New Dawn Area Community Development Committee (ACDC) and the Investiture of Patron/Matron and Award Ceremony at Abeokuta.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Lateef Benson, Hon. Balogun, commended the Area CDC for initiating the project to improve the lives and well-being of its members, describing it as a laudable initiative, worthy of emulation.
“It is a fantastic idea as it ensures that members are thoroughly engaged and contribute to overall development, just as it will help youths in the area to have a focus and take up a skill that will create opportunities for them to become employers of labour and be self-reliant,” he said.
He assured the Area CDC of government’s support for all programmes that would better the lives of residents, noting that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would not relent in its efforts aimed at improving grassroots development.
Earlier, the Chairman, New Dawn Area CDC, Alhaji Usman Ganiyu, described the launch of the vocational training centre as a significant milestone in the history and future of the Committee, noting that it was aimed at promoting skills acquisition, economic empowerment and sustainable individual and community development.
Alhaji Ganiyu, added that the event reflected the importance of vision, service, leadership as well as collective responsibility in building a stronger, more empowered and self-reliant community, emphasising that the establishment of the vocational training centre would represent a strategic investment in human potential.
He noted that the initiative was designed to equip youths, women and other community members with relevant vocational skills that would enable them to establish dignified livelihoods, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.
In their goodwill messages, the 2nd Vice Chairman, Ogun State Community Development Council, Apostle Peter Adeniji, commended the State Government and the Area CDC for the initiatives, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the vocational centre for individual and community prosperity.
On his part, the Abeokuta North Zonal CDC Chairman, Chief Olawale Ahmed, enjoined community members and leaders to work hand in hand for the collective progress of their communities, saying that, no ”society can rise above the collective prosperity of its members”.
Highlight of the event was the conferment of Outstanding Community Leader of the Year Award on the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun and the decoration of Prince Ifekayode Akinbode and Princess Ojaronke Ogunremi as Patron and Matron of the New Dawn Area CDC, respectively.
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