Community leaders in Ogun state have been charged to be champions of development, peace ambassadors and exemplary citizens worthy of emulation in their various communities.

Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives. Hon. Ademola Balogun, gave the charge to participants at the closing ceremony of a Four Day Basic Citizenship and Leadership Training at the Social Development Institute, Shasha, Iperu, saying that communities would only grow when leaders lead with vision and integrity.

Balogun, who reiterated the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment towards improving the lives and well-being of residents at the grassroots, especially in the provision of infrastructure and various socio-economic welfare packages, enjoined them to support efforts that would ensure that the gains made over the years were not only sustained, but built upon for the good of the people.

The Commissioner advised the graduands to replicate knowledge gained in conflict resolution, resource mobilisation, accountability and civic responsibility to transform their communities, emphasising that government would continue to provide the right leadership at all levels of governance across the state.

He highlighted some of the successes recorded in the Ministry to include provision of brand new bus for the use of community leaders at the state level, improved welfare packages for staffs of the institute and Ministry, assuring that the Social Development Institute would be in order before the end of the administration.

On his part, Chairman Ijebu-North/East Local Government, Hon. Folusho Badejo, appreciated the state government for sustaining various capacity building programmes aimed at improving grassroots development, adding that the training would expose participants to global practices and techniques of managing communities.

He pointed out that Community Development Associations were the closest to the people, hence they must move beyond routine meetings to strategic leadership that would impact the lives of residents positively.

In a goodwill message, state Chairman, Community Development Council, High Chief Adefemi Adetayo, applauded the state government for its various efforts at promoting the goals of community development, as well as providing an enabling environment for participants to unlearn, learn and relearn various skills aimed at improving communities across the state.

Welcoming participants, the Course Coordinator and Ado-Odo Ota Zonal Community Development Officer, Mr. Jimoh Jamiu, explained that the training was aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity of community leaders by exposing them to modern approaches to community management, conflict resolution and project implementation, noting that the initiative would enable participants to drive meaningful development in their respective communities.

Mr. Jamiu, also hailed the state government for its unwavering commitment at promoting the welfare, capacity development and overall well-being of community leaders, expressing confidence that the training would further strengthen community participation in governance and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Adeola Iyabode and Alh. Abiodun AbdulAzeez appreciated the state government for prioritising the intellectual capacity of community leaders, promising to make use of knowledge gained to improve community activities in their various locality.