Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction - IDIPR

IDIPR RECORDS ANOTHER REMARKABLE YEAR OF GROWTH!

The Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) successfully held its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 June 2026 at Heritage Hall.

The meeting paid tribute to the late Grand Patron, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, whose vision laid the foundation for the Initiative's lasting impact on poverty reduction and community empowerment.

The AGM brought together traditional leaders, development partners, government officials, cooperative leaders, Board of Trustees, Governing Council members, and other stakeholders to review the organization's achievements and future plans.

2025 Performance Highlights
✅ Total Income increased from ₦137.94 million to ₦193.31 million (≈40% growth)
✅ Interest Income rose by 79%
✅ Annual Surplus increased from ₦58.66 million to ₦92.61 million (≈58% growth)

In her address, Governing Council Chairlady Professor Abeke Adesanya reaffirmed that for 27 years, IDIPR has remained committed to community ownership, cooperative development, prudent financial management, and grassroots empowerment.

These achievements reflect not only sound financial stewardship but also the collective commitment of IDIPR's leadership, staff, volunteers, development partners, and community stakeholders who continue to work together to improve livelihoods, strengthen cooperative systems, and promote sustainable economic opportunities across Ijebuland.

Excellence Recognition Award
The Excellence Recognition Award was presented to the following distinguished individuals and organisation in recognition of their outstanding dedication, exemplary service, and invaluable contributions to advancing sustainable development and strengthening the organisation's programmes:
- FAO/UN represented by Aisha Lawal Ibrahim.
-Aquaculture Consulting Management Services, South Africa represented by Gavin Johnston, Christopher Brendor Parker ,John Henry Collins

Their commitment, expertise, and unwavering support have made a significant impact, and this recognition is a testament to their exceptional contributions and enduring partnership.

As IDIPR looks ahead, the Initiative remains focused on expanding its impact through strategic partnerships, innovation, capacity building, and inclusive development programmes that empower individuals, families, farmers, women, and young people. Together, we will continue building resilient communities and advancing the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Ijebuland.

Together, we remain committed to building stronger communities and reducing poverty through innovation, partnerships, and sustainable development.

Experienced Professionals, Guest Speakers Who Volunteered Their Time And Expertise.

One of the highlights of the programme was the participation of eight experienced professionals, guest speakers who volunteered their time and expertise. Their presentations covered a broad spectrum of professions, including Medicine, Accounting, Teaching, Law, Photography and Videography, Agriculture, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. This diverse representation gave students a clearer understanding of the many career opportunities available to them and the educational pathways required to achieve their aspirations.

The programme also featured a special virtual presentation by Dr. Olaolu Osiba, who joined online from Abeokuta to speak on careers in Medicine. His session demonstrated how technology can bridge geographical barriers, allowing students to learn directly from accomplished professionals regardless of location. His message inspired many students to pursue excellence and remain committed to their educational goals.

Beyond introducing different professions, the Career Day Programme challenged students to dream bigger, prepare diligently, and recognize that success is built on knowledge, character, and perseverance. It also introduced them to emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, equipping them with a broader perspective on the rapidly evolving world of work.

IDIPR MOUNTS CAREER TALK AT OGBOGBO BAPTIST GRAMMAR SCHOOL

On 23rd July 2026, the Ijebu Development Initiative On Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) brought hope, inspiration, and practical career guidance to the students of Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar (Senior) School, Ogbogbo through a well-organized Career Day Programme.

The event was designed to help students look beyond the classroom and begin to see the endless possibilities that education can unlock. By connecting them with accomplished professionals from different sectors, the programme encouraged them to think intentionally about their future and make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

A total of 195 students participated in the programme, including 112 girls and 83 boys. Throughout the event, the students listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and interacted with professionals who shared not only their career journeys but also the discipline, resilience, and determination required to succeed in today's competitive world.

CREDICORP, IMFB AND IDIPR LAUNCH STRATEGIC TRICYCLE FINANCING PARTNERSHIP.

A major milestone has been recorded in advancing financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable transportation as the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Imowo Microfinance Bank (IMFB), and the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) successfully partnered to procure, train, and distribute 50 assembled-in-Nigeria tricycles under the IDIPR Tricycle Transportation Project.

Implemented through IDIPR's proven "Use and Own" financing model, the initiative is designed to create jobs, expand access to affordable consumer credit, support local manufacturing, and improve urban mobility. Before taking delivery of their tricycles, beneficiaries received intensive training in road safety, tricycle operation and maintenance, customer service, cooperative principles, repayment plans, and responsible asset management.

The official handover ceremony was held on 19 June 2026 at the Awujale Palace, Ijebu-Ode. The event was hosted by Otunba Aderemi Abdul-Bojela, Chairman, Board of Directors, CREDICORP. The Awujale Regent, Chief (Dr.) Olorogun Sonny Kuku, was represented by Otunba Adekunle Ogunade, the Apebi of Ijebu-Ode, who served as the Event Chairman, while Otunba Abdullateef Owoyemi graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

Also in attendance were Otunba Olalekan Belo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, IDIPR; Prof. Abeke Adesanya, Chairlady, IDIPR Governing Council; Dr. Marcus Adeniyi, CEO, IDIPR; Otunba (Mrs.) Adebola Osibogun, Chairman, Imowo Microfinance Bank; Mrs. Olanike Kolawole, Executive Director (Operations), CREDICORP; and other distinguished dignitaries and stakeholders.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering Nigerians through sustainable livelihoods, financial inclusion, and economic development. The programme will enhance income generation, strengthen urban transportation, support locally assembled vehicles, and improve the quality of life of beneficiaries and their families.

A testament to the success of the initiative: Since inception, IDIPR has deployed 917 tricycles under its "Use and Own" scheme. Impressively, 765 beneficiaries have successfully completed their repayments and become proud owners of their tricycles, demonstrating the project's lasting impact on asset ownership, job creation, income generation, and economic empowerment.

Together, we are driving opportunities, transforming lives, and building stronger communities.

WORLD BANK AND IFC EXPLORE COLLABORATION WITH IDIPR.

We are honoured to have recently hosted a series of high-level local and international development partners at our Initiative, reaffirming our growing relevance in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture development, and rural empowerment.

On 6th May 2026, we welcomed delegates from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), who visited to understudy our aquaculture operations and explore scalable models that can support aquaculture development across Africa.

Furthermore, on 12th May 2026, we received the Country Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The visit featured strategic engagements, project briefings, and field interactions with beneficiary farmers under the FISH4ACP Project, alongside discussions on innovative agricultural opportunities such as Black Soldier Fly production and sustainable livestock feed development.

These engagements reflect the increasing visibility, credibility, and impact of our Initiative within both local and international development circles. We remain committed to driving innovation, empowering communities, strengthening partnerships, and advancing sustainable agricultural transformation.

IDIPR’S 2025 ORGANISATIONAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND JOINT TRAINING.

December 1st, 2025 marked the first day of 2025 Organisational, Administrative and Joint Training of Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR). The staff training kicked off with the three new members of staff and others who have been employed less than a year viewing a documentary on the history and trajectory of the organisation. The documentary captured how the IDIPR was conceived and brought to life by visionary personalities like the late Prof. Mabogunje, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Chief Degun, and so on and so forth. The documentary gave everyone immense exposure to how the body began with city consultation and eventually metamorphosed into a big NGO of great magnitude. The members of staff in attendance viewed with a heart of gratefulness to God for giving the initiators clear vision to change the lives of thousands in Ijebu land and beyond in the last 25 years.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, which was the second day of the training, opened with a higher anticipation from the members of staff. The programme kicked off with fourteen (14) participants, while some on important duties later joined others at Heritage Hall, Awujale Palace. Those in attendance were carefully seated, with notebooks to document vital information, as everyone was ready to listen to an intellectually stimulating session anchored by a practical resource person, Dr. Adetayo, F.A.

At exactly 10:00 a.m., the atmosphere shifted as the CEO of IDIPR, Dr. Adeniyi Marcus, stepped forward to introduce the day’s resource person. His introduction was not perfunctory; instead, it came with a depth that immediately set the tone for what was to follow.

He described Dr. F. A. Adetayo as a practicing microfinance expert, a gospel minister, and a thoroughbred fellow, a combination that captured both technical brilliance and moral grounding. It was an introduction that drew nods from the participants. Many had heard of Dr. Adetayo, but few had encountered him in a teaching environment.

Once Dr. Adetayo took the floor, it became clear that this was no ordinary workshop. With the calm assurance of a seasoned professional, he began by laying out the foundational principles of microfinance practice. But he did more than simply outline facts; he wove them into a narrative that made the field feel alive, approachable, and deeply relevant to the institution’s work.

Guiding the session under the theme “Intensive Operational Training on Microfinance Credit and Marketing,” he adopted what participants later described as a “360-degree approach” by taking them around the full circumference of microfinance operations with the accuracy of a mathematician and the clarity of a teacher.

He broke down the dynamics of credit analysis, client evaluation, loan monitoring, marketing strategies, risk detection, and operational ethics. What could easily have been a dense, technical lecture became an absorbing journey, thanks to his ability to simplify even the most complex concepts.

As the session wrapped up, there was a collective sense of satisfaction as well as an unspoken agreement that the time spent had been more than worthwhile. Some participants lingered afterwards, discussing newly formed ideas; others clutched their notebooks, eager to translate the insights into their daily work.
The training did more than build capacity. It also ignited a renewed confidence among staff that excellence in microfinance is attainable, provided one understands the principles and respects the practice.

There was a break on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 2025, with a one-day training workshop held at Heritage Hall to empower 37 participants in three key areas of the IDIPR’s Enterprise Development Programmes under agriculture, namely poultry, piggery, and fishery. While the training was anchored by Mr. Akinyelu Blessing, the Head of the Department of Aquaculture, Mr. Onasanya, A.W. of the Cooperative Unit, was on the ground to speak on the cooperative system of the IDIPR. Also present at the workshop were resource persons. While Dr. Opele addressed participants on fishery, Mr. Ogunbowale spoke to those willing to venture into piggery, and Mr. Marayesa addressed those willing to embark on fishery.

On Thursday that week, the weeklong training resumed. Mr. Akinyelu Blessing addressed the staff on “History, Mission, Thematic Areas, Governance, and Programmes of IDIPR.” The presentation was quite informative and educative, providing the new staff with a clear trajectory and organogram of the organization. Friday was the grand finale of the training. Mr. Babatunde Yussuf, the ICT Personnel of the Organization, addressed the staff on “Digital Tools and Documentation.” He spoke extensively on the areas modern technology can be introduced into IDIPR’s operations to make us go digital.

Mrs. Abiodun Adekoya, the HOD of the Finance Department, addressed the staff on “Ethics, Integrity, Confidentiality, Anti-fraud, and Resource Uses.” According to her, every member of staff is expected to be dependable, forthright, and zero-tolerant of brown envelope syndrome. She laid emphasis on resource management and prompt arrival to the office.

The last speaker that Friday was Dr. Bankole, Oluyemi, whose topic was “Employment Terms, Leave Rules, Appraisal, and Communication Procedure.” The segment leaned more on how staff should disseminate information appropriately within the organization.

The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adeniyi Marcus, attended to all questions raised by the staff after all the delivery had been done. The training was indeed a refreshing time for all the members of staff.