Monarch advocates CDA template to tackle insecurity

The Dangurewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Okuribido, has said that for insecurity to reduce drastically in the country, governments at all levels should adopt the Community Development Associations’ security initiative, where everyone takes charge of their immediate environment.

Speaking at his 1st coronation anniversary in Idowa, Ijebu, Oba Okuribido disclosed that in the last year, measures had been put in place to curtail the excesses of crime and criminality in his kingdom, as well as to nip youth restiveness in the bud within his community.

He stated that through his initiative, more than 1,500 indigents have benefited from community empowerment programs to alleviate the suffering of the masses, while 133 students have benefited from his initiative facilitating scholarships, WAEC fees, and JAMB registration.

He added that in order to encourage indigents to return to farming, 15 acres of land were acquired to support fish farming, as well as the establishment of the Idowa bulk purchase market, offering food items worth 500 million naira at a 50% discount to residents.

“As we speak, we have strategies and modalities within our communities where a bag of rice is sold at N42,000 for the indigents and those residents here, which can only be purchased through a designated Community Development Associations (CDA) card.”

He noted that, prior to this, kidnapping and other social vices were rampant. Upon ascending the throne, the Community Development Associations (CDAs) which used to be three were increased to 60 to facilitate grassroots information and promote the benefits of royal governance.

Oba Okuribido also reaffirmed Awujale’s stance on the creation of a new state out of the old Ijebu Province, noting that the new state is certain with the support of all and sundry.

He pointed out that over N500 million had been earmarked for the completion of the palace and other meaningful projects in the community.