KWSG ORGANIZES WORKSHOP FOR STAKEHOLDERS ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

…As participants laud Governor on the initiative 

As part of the Kwara State Government's efforts towards empowering members of communities grassroots development, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development (OSSACD) to the Governor of Kwara State has, on Monday, organized a familiarization and training workshop for the state's community development stakeholders.

Speaking on the objectives of the program, the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development (SSACD), Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe said the program was aimed at establishing and strengthening working relationships with the various community development officers in the state while providing training on effective collaboration and project implementation.

In his words: “The workshop also aimed at training stakeholders in the field of community development, focusing on teaching participants the fundamentals of community development, as well as providing a forum for stakeholders to share their experiences and best practices. It was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to learn from each other and find new ways to work together for the benefit of the people of Kwara State.”

The SSA on Community Development expressed his appreciation to the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his support in making the program a reality. He further extended his appreciation to the commissioner of Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs And Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, for his unwavering support.

Also, in his goodwill message, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development in Kwara State, Honorable Abdullahi Bata, expressed gratitude to the state governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, for his leadership and support for the initiative. While encouraging the participating stakeholders to make the most of the training and apply what they have learned to improve the lives of those they serve in their respective communities, Honorable Bata applauded the SSA on Community Development for the unique initiative., 

Introducing the participants to the motives and objectives of community development practices, Dr. Olohungbebe reiterated that, community development is not simply about giving people resources, but it is also about empowering them to help themselves. He explained that community development is most effective when it involves the people who live in the community. By working together, they can create lasting change and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. The SSA emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication in achieving the goals of community development. He encouraged the participants to share their experiences and ideas with each other, and to work together to develop strategies that will benefit everyone involved.

In the second session of the workshop, Dr. Fatai Akosile, Coordinator of the KWASU Centre for Community Development, provided valuable insights on the importance of effective community needs assessment. He explained that in order to achieve meaningful and lasting change, it is essential to first identify and understand the specific needs of the community. He stressed the importance of professionalism in the field of community development, and encouraged participants to use evidence-based methods to assess the needs of the communities they serve. By doing so, community development practitioners can be more effective in addressing those needs and creating real, lasting change. Dr. Akosile also emphasized the need for collaboration and communication between all stakeholders in order to create a truly effective and sustainable community development plan.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Idris, a community Development Officer, appreciated the State Government, and SSA on Community Development for the initiative, adding that, it gives the stakeholders the opportunity to express their pains, while urging the State Government to sustain the training. 

The program was concluded with a brainstorming session in which the participants deliberated on community development issues and methods of addressing them. Among the participants at the workshop included community development officers from the local government areas in Kwara Central Senatorial District, the sixteen Transition Implementation Committee Vice-Chairmen, and staffers of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.