As part of efforts to assess the impact of community-driven development initiatives in Ondo State, the Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA), a key implementing partner under the Ondo State Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (Ondo CARES) Programme, has organized an Outcome Evaluation Validation Workshop.
The workshop aimed to validate the effectiveness of projects implemented under the CARES Programme while identifying areas for improvement to enhance the sustainability and long-term benefits of the initiative.
The project, which started in 2021 as a way of mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, focuses on health, education, water, and sanitation.
Speaking at the one-day evaluation workshop, the Permanent Secretary and General Manager of ODCSDA, Mr. Bosun Ogundipe, emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in executing projects targeted at improving livelihoods and social infrastructure.
Presenting the evaluation findings, a lead consultant, Prof. James Okunola, highlighted successes recorded in areas such as the provision of water and sanitation facilities, construction of classrooms and basic health centers, as well as support for community-based economic activities.
Others noted that all projects implemented by the agency have strengthened economic resilience and social welfare across benefiting communities.
In an interview, the State Coordinator of Ondo CARES, Mr. Daisi, expressed satisfaction with the projects facilitated by the agency, noting that all initiatives align with the objectives of the Ondo CARES Programme.
Also speaking, the Operations Manager, Mr. Olumide Igbaroola, and the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Frederick Akinjalanu, said the assessment was necessary to evaluate the impact of interventions and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review project outcomes, validate findings, and enhance future implementation.
Other stakeholders applauded the agency’s commitment to grassroots development.
So far, about 100 micro-projects have been facilitated across all local government areas in Ondo State under the Ondo CARES Programme.
