Ojagboro Youth Association Marks 20 Years of Community Development, Empowers 20 Less Privileged Persons.
The Ojagboro Youth Development Association (OYDA) has unveiled activities for its 20th anniversary celebration, highlighting two decades of youth leadership, community development, and social impact within Ojagboro community and beyond.
Speaking during a press conference held as part of the anniversary activities, the leadership of the association described the celebration as a major milestone in the history of the community and the association’s journey of service and development.
Addressing journalists, the association noted that the anniversary is themed: “Two Decades of Impact: Strengthening Youth Leadership for a Sustainable Future.” According to the organisers, the theme reflects OYDA’s commitment to youth empowerment, peace, unity, community service, and sustainable development.
The association stated that since its establishment, OYDA has continued to contribute significantly to various sectors including education, healthcare support, sports development, environmental sanitation, humanitarian services, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Highlighting some of its achievements over the years, the association disclosed that OYDA played vital roles in the establishment of Burhanudeen Senior Secondary School, securing approval for the school’s permanent site, and providing free JAMB forms and scholarships to indigent students.
The association also revealed that it established coaching centres and annual summer lesson programmes for senior secondary school students within the community.
In the area of infrastructure development, OYDA said it facilitated the conversion of several manual boreholes to motorised systems and partnered with the Kwara State Government through KWASCDA in the construction of VIP public toilets at strategic locations in the community.
Other achievements listed include the provision of transformers, interlocking walkways, empowerment and employment support for members, acquisition of a secretariat for the association, and securing land for the proposed ICT Digital Skills Acquisition Centre.
Speaking further, the association explained that in the health sector, it facilitated a temporary location for the continuation of primary healthcare services pending the completion of a permanent healthcare facility currently under construction.
As part of activities lined up for the anniversary celebration, the association announced programmes including a sports talk show and novelty football match, Eid-el-Kabir celebration, children’s party, road walk and awareness rally, Jumu’at service and special prayers, free medical outreach, and a grand finale ceremony.
OYDA disclosed that the free medical outreach is expected to benefit about 250 people, including youths, women, widows, elderly persons, and other vulnerable members of the community. Professional healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians have also been engaged for the exercise.
The association further stated that the grand finale would feature the empowerment of 20 less privileged individuals with tools and equipment, recognition of 20 eminent personalities for their contributions to community development, and the launch of the proposed OYDA Education Trust Fund.
The leadership of the association called on sons and daughters of Ojagboro community, development partners, philanthropists, corporate organisations, and government agencies to support and actively participate in the anniversary activities.
OYDA also appreciated community leaders, donors, supporters, and stakeholders for their contributions toward the growth and progress of the association and the community over the past two decades.
The association expressed optimism that the next phase of its journey would usher in greater unity, progress, opportunities, and sustainable development for Ojagboro community and beyond