AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) is being widely praised as a model for community-driven development, following the release of its latest performance report at its 25th Annual General Meeting in Ijebu-Ode.
At the heart of IDIPR’s success is a sustained grassroots approach that has empowered over 19,000 individuals, injected billions into the local economy, and transformed key sectors such as agriculture, microfinance, youth development, and digital literacy.
Chairman of the Initiative, Prof. Abeke Adesanya, disclosed that IDIPR recorded a record ₦137.9 million in gross income in 2024—its highest ever and nearly double the previous year’s figure—despite prevailing national economic headwinds.
Since its inception, the Initiative has trained 275 interns and facilitated 188 capacity-building workshops across the region. Its microfinance programme alone has disbursed ₦1.85 billion in revolving loans to 13,462 beneficiaries, with a stellar 99.1 per cent repayment rate.
Agriculture remains central to its mission. Through its Eriwe Farm Village, IDIPR recorded 1,782 metric tonnes of catfish production valued at ₦4.73 billion, in addition to strong outputs in poultry, piggery, and rubber production, the latter contributing ₦197.5 million from 190 tonnes of latex.
Its Tricycle Transport Scheme, funded by a ₦990 million interest-free loan from the Grand Patron, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has distributed 850 tricycles, with 530 fully repaid, and boasts a 100 per cent loan recovery rate.
In a push toward digital inclusion, IDIPR launched the Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje Digital Skills Centre, now certified as an international digital training and testing hub for the region.
The Initiative also unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at multiplying its impact and revenue tenfold. With youth-focused media training, school outreach, and free health services reaching over 22,000 people, IDIPR continues to redefine what locally-led development can achieve.
At the AGM, Chief Olu Okuboyejo stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, handing over to Otunba Lekan Bello, whose appointment was met with a standing ovation from stakeholders.
