Following the inability of the government at various levels to cater for the need of the people due to limited resources, the Ijesa Community Development Assembly is floating an initiative tagged, Ijesa Development Fund for the socio-economic development of Ijesa land.

Disclosing this to newsmen at a media parley on Monday, February 10, 2025, at his country home in Ilesa, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland and Chairman of ICDA, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, said the initiative is structured to ensure the contribution of all Ijesa sons and daughters, no matter their financial status to a particular purse.

The fund, to be contributed by individuals at home and in the diaspora, would be dedicated to the execution of essential projects at the communities.

This would cover education, health, water and sanitation, technical and vocational training, ICT, as well as other infrastructural development.

Speaking further on the newly proposed Ijesa Development Fund, he noted that the assembly has designed a 10-level payment profile which allows for a minimum contribution of N1000 only per annum with a target of 237,525 segregated contributors yearly irrespectively of class, statue or position.

Amount to be contributed ranges from N1000 to N1m per head, depending on the financial capability of the contributor.

Fasuyi, who assured the people of transparency and accountability, explained that the system put in place prevents diversion or misuse of funds due to proper monitoring by all stakeholders.

While also expressing confidence in the Ijesaland Community Development Assembly, the business doyen outlined some of the past achievement of the ICDA, to include the construction of an Ultramodern Palace for Owa Obokun, Ijesaland, Geriatric Center, Educational Sponsorship for students, Health Insurance scheme for the aged, vocational training for the youths among others.

He however expressed concern that less than 500 Ijesa natives representing 0.05 percent of the Ijesa population contributed the fund for the above projects.

Fasuyi said such committed donors must be relieved of too much financial burden to avoid weariness while more natives must be involved to ensure sense of belonging and enable inclusive governance.

The Asiwaju noted that traditional rulers as well as various groups and organizations will be taking part in the implementation and mobilization of their people.

He also noted that officials appointed from each ward are to coordinate the successful implementation of the program from their grassroot community.

The central Ijesaland Development Fund Management Committee would be constituted by the Ijesa Community Development Assembly which will serve as umbrella committee for all the six zones in Ijesaland.