Sola POPOOLA
A non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO), Inclusive Pathway Development Initiative (IPADEV) has been unveiled in Ekiti State .
Addressing journalists at Delight Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, the founder and Executive Director,IPADEV, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo said the organization was established to promote equal opportunities, social justice and community empowerment.
She disclosed that the Organization would open opportunities for all Nigerians.”Our vision is a just and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of gender, background, or status, has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to sustainable development”.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); including the immediate past State Coordinator, Professor Christopher Oluwadare,former commissioner for Public Utilities and Infrastructures in Ekiti State , Professor Bolaji Aluko , members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and former speaker Olubunmi Adelugba.
Also at the event were the former commissioner for Environment, Iyabo Okieme and former Chairperson FIDA,Rita Ilevare ,among other dignitaries.
Fagboyo said : “Our mission is to promote equal opportunities, social justice, and community empowerment through inclusive policies, capacity building, and advocacy for societal transformation”.
According to IPADEV boss, lack of inclusive governance and representation had exacerbated these issues, leading to the marginalization of certain groups.
“Systemic issues like poor policy enforcement, weak accountability frameworks, and limited collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector further complicate the challenges.
“But in the midst of these challenges lies an incredible opportunity for transformative change, driven by the growing demand among Nigerians for transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
” This is the opportunity that gave birth to IPADEV. With a focus on sustainable development, social justice, and human empowerment, IPADEV is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s journey toward a brighter future.”
“”Today’s launch is not just the unveiling of a new organization. It is a Call to Partnership — A Call to Government, Civil Society, The Private Sector, and indeed the media, to work together in creating a nation that leaves no one behind.
“We cannot afford to continue along the path of exclusion. The time has come to build bridges, to dismantle barriers, and to open opportunities for all Nigerians to live productive and dignified lives.
“IPADEV stands ready to be a catalyst for that change — through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity.”
Dr. Fagboyo is currently the Director of Development at African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) where she leads programmes in inclusive growth, gender equality, and sustainable development across Africa.
She has over 24 years of experience in international development and multilateral partnerships; for 18 of those years she worked with the former Department for International Development (DFID, UK) in Nigeria.
She served as Special Adviser on Development Partnerships and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the former Governor of Ekiti State in Nigeria from 2019 to 2022
The Vice Chancellor of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI),Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa while congratulating Fagboyo for initiative described her as a goal- getter .
In her remarks,Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, Executive Director,New Generation,Girls and Women Development Initiative(NIGAWD) said the presence of NIGAWD and other civil society organizations at the occasion is a strong statement that collaboration remains the greatest asset in driving inclusive and sustainable development.
“To the IPADEV team, please be assured that NIGAWD stands firmly with you. It is no longer fashionable for CSO to continue unhealthy rivalry. Therefore, you can always count on our support, partnership, and collaboration as we collectively work to advance inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity for all
“Once again, congratulations to the entire IPADEV family — may this initiative open new frontiers of impact and transformation for our communities and our nation.” Abimbola said