Held from Tuesday, 28th July to Friday, 31st July, 2026 and Tuesday, 4th August to Friday, 7th August, 2026 at Shasha Iperu-Remo, Ogun State

Organized by the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives in collaboration with the Ogun State Community Development Council (CDC)

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INSTITUTE 

The Social Development Institute, popularly known as Shasha, was established on February 20, 1956, by the government of the defunct Western Region under the leadership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. The institute serves as a training college for community leaders, traditional rulers and political actors. It offers Certificate and Diploma programmes in Social Work and Social Development in affiliation with Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

2. IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS 

Over the years, the institute has trained numerous community leaders across various Community Development Associations (CDAs). The Citizenship and Leadership Training Programme has produced competent leaders in both public and private sectors who have contributed significantly to grassroots development across Ogun State.

3. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SHASHA

The State Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) and Baale of Ilu-Imodi Ijase, Odogbolu Local Government, High Chief Adetayo Adefemi Boyejo, traced the origin of Shasha to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He explained that the institute was initially located at Shasha Olumogun in Ijebu-East Local Government Area before its relocation to Iperu-Remo following the discovery of mineral resources at the former site.

He further noted that the association initially consisted of landlords and landladies before tenants were later incorporated. Describing Shasha as a symbol of unity and shared purpose, he likened participation in its activities to a form of pilgrimage. He also highlighted traditional concepts such as “Owe” and “Aaro”, which emphasize communal cooperation and harmony.

According to him, the institute operates on two levels: Basic and Advance.

4. CHALLENGES AND APPEALS 

High Chief Adetayo highlighted that there are over 450 Community Development Committee in Ogun State and urged the government to recognize them as critical partners in governance. He also appealed for the renovation and upgrade of the institute into a polytechnic, including the construction of a 1,000-seater hall and improved learning facilities.

5. STAKEHOLDERS' CONTRIBUTIONS

The State Secretary of CDC, Mr. Sangosina Adams, described the training as a problem-solving initiative aimed at addressing community challenges and strengthening collaboration between residents and leaders.

The Ijebu-East Senatorial Chairman, Mr. Babasola Osibamowo, noted that the training was designed to tackle illiteracy and enhance employability, particularly in social work opportunities abroad. He advocated for the expansion of the institute.

The Zonal CDC Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government, Prince Olusesan Daniel Adesanya, commended the outcomes of the training and called for sustained government support.

The Social Welfare Secretary, Mrs. Olugbemisola Ogunbanwo, described Shasha as a holistic leadership training centre and appealed for improved infrastructure and modern equipment.

6. CLOSING CEREMONY AND GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT

At the closing ceremonies of both training batches held at the Social Development Institute, Iperu-Remo, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to reposition community development in Ogun State.

He highlighted key achievements, including facility upgrades and institutional strengthening, inclusion of four community leaders in the Amotekun board, slot of Hajj allocated to community leaders, and assured participants of further renovations. He also disclosed the procurement of an 18-passenger bus to enhance the council's operations.

Participants were charged to apply the knowledge acquired to promote peace, accountability, civic responsibility and sustainable development within their communities.

7. REMARKS FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN

The Executive Chairman of Ijebu North-East Local Government, Hon. Foluso Badejo stated, that the training exposed participants to global best practices in community development. He urged them to protect public infrastructure, maintain environmental cleanliness and disseminate the knowledge gained.

8. SPECIAL DIGNITARY AT THE GRAND FINALE (SECOND BATCH)

The Senior Consultant to the Governor on Agriculture, Hon. Wale Oyekoga, expressed confidence in the administration’s plan to upgrade the institute before the end of its tenure. He encouraged participants to effectively utilize the knowledge gained during the training.

Lending their voices, the Special adviser, Mr Shitta and Senior  Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Architect Oresile, assured that the present administration in Ogun State would continue to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Ademola Benson, explained that Governor Dapo Abiodun has been magnanimous in strengthening communities, noting that they are closest to the grassroots.

9. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme featured social and recreational activities, including dancing, Drama, Debates and football competitions.

Miss Deborah Olanrewaju (Imode-Abese Area CDC, Ewekoro Zonal CDC) emerged as the Best Dancer (2026 Batch B – Basic).

Group 6 won the best football team and 

Overall best group in batch B 

Certificates were presented to participants at the end of each training batch while Batch A, group 3 won the  best football team and overall best group award.

10. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PARTICIPATION

The Course Coordinator, Mr. Jimoh Jamiu, stated that the programme aimed to equip participants with leadership skills and practical tools for managing community affairs and executing sustainable development projects.

Participants were grouped into six teams to promote teamwork and healthy competition. Performance was evaluated based on participation, punctuality and leadership qualities.

11. CURRICULUM AND TRAINING MODULES

The four-day intensive programme featured lectures by experienced resource persons on key areas, including:

Leveraging digital transformation for sustainable community development and improved service delivery;

Enhancing community engagement through good governance and conflict management while upholding constitutional rights;

Community health promotion and disease prevention;

Gender equality, social inclusion, and protection of vulnerable groups;

Waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

12. PARTICIPANTS’ STATISTICS

*First Training Batch (28th - 31st July, 2026)*

Abeokuta North – 19

Abeokuta South – 57

Ado-Odo/Ota – 311

Ewekoro – 32

Ifo – 94

Ijebu North – 29

Ijebu North-East – 10

Ijebu-Ode – 1

Ikenne – 11

Imeko-Afon – Nil

Ipokia – Nil

Obafemi-Owode – 323

Odeda – 7

Odogbolu – 45

Sagamu – 67

Yewa South – 104

Ogun Waterside – Nil

Yewa North – 9

Ijebu East – Nil

Remo North – Nil

*Gender Distribution*

_Male_ - *831*

_Female_ - *288*

*Total - 1,119*

*Second Training* *Batch (4th – 7th* *August, 2026)*

Abeokuta North - 48

Abeokuta South - 52

Ado-Odo/Ota - 99

Ewekoro - 87

Ifo - 178

Ijebu-East - 10

Ijebu-North - 23

Ijebu-North East - 17

Ijebu-Ode - 51

Ikenne - 10

Imeko-Afon - 25

Ipokia - 76

Obafemi-Owode - 189

Odeda - 23

Odogbolu - 51

Ogun Waterside - 1

Remo North - 12

Sagamu - 147

Yewa North - 13

Yewa South - 37

*Gender Distribution*

_Male_ - *885*

_Female_ - *264*

*Total - 1,149*

PARTICIPANTS’ STATISTICS AT A GLANCE

*First and Second Training Batches(28th - 31st July, 2026 and 4th - 7th August, 2026)*

Abeokuta North – 67

Abeokuta South – 109

Ado-Odo/Ota – 410

Ewekoro – 119

Ifo – 272

Ijebu North – 52

Ijebu North-East – 27

Ijebu-Ode – 52

Ikenne – 21

Imeko-Afon – 25

Ipokia – 76

Obafemi-Owode – 512

Odeda – 30

Odogbolu – 96

Sagamu – 214

Yewa South – 141

Ogun Waterside – 1

Yewa North – 22

Ijebu East – 10

Remo North – 12

*Gender Distribution*

_Male - 1, 716_

_Female - 552_

*Grand Total - 2,268*

PARTICIPANTS

13. Speaking on behalf of other participants, Girl Oladokun Catherine Titilola (Imode-Abese ACDC matron, Ewekoro Zonal CDC – Ogun Central), Boy Shonibare Olakunle (Ifedapo Area CDC, Odogbolu Zonal CDC - Ogun East) and Boy Bamkole Oludotun (Itolu ACDC, Yewa South Zonal CDC - Ogun West) expressed their delight at participating in the training, promising to cascade the knowledge gained to others and put it into practice in their respective communities.

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION

The organizers expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, for their unwavering support toward community development initiatives in Ogun State.

Appreciation was also extended to all participants for their discipline, cooperation and commitment throughout the programme. They were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to foster development and progress within their respective communities.

CONCLUSION 

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Programme (covering both batches) successfully strengthened the capacity of community leaders and members, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values required to drive sustainable grassroots development across Ogun State.

Comrade Oke Oluwaseun

State PRO