Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, has hosted Hausa community leaders, popularly known as Serikis, and the Chief Imam from across Ijebuland at a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between the community and the state government.
The meeting brought together Hausa leaders and representatives from various parts of Ijebuland, including Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-East, Ijebu-North, Ijebu-North-East, Ago-Iwoye, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, J4, Imaweta, Ibiade, Abigi, Ooni, Itamako, Iibido, Isiwo, Ijagun, Ilese, Imodi, Imosan, Idowa, Ala, Ijebu-Itele, Ogbogb, Erunwon, Ijari, Ogbere, Oke Eri, Ibefun, Egbe, Imawaje, Iloti, Molipa, Odoselu, Odolowo, Aronwa, Okun-Owa, Imoru, Itamarun, Sabo, Molode and Mokorede.
Also present was the Ogun East Woman Leader for the Hausawa Community, Alhaja Ladi Abubakar.
Speaking on behalf of the community leaders, the Sarkin Hausawa of Ijebuland, Alhaji Yahaya Garba Alawa, commended the Ogun State Government for what he described as its commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth and programmes targeted at improving the welfare of residents.
Alawa said the Hausa community had witnessed development under the current administration, expressing appreciation for government interventions across the state.
He assured the administration of the community’s continued support and cooperation in advancing its development agenda.
Responding, Okubadejo urged the community leaders to take advantage of government programmes, initiatives and empowerment opportunities introduced by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The commissioner said the interventions were designed to improve livelihoods, strengthen businesses and expand economic opportunities for residents, stressing that their impact would be greater if community leaders effectively connected beneficiaries at the grassroots with the available programmes.
Okubadejo also urged the Serikis to encourage greater participation of women in the Nigeria for Women Programme through the formation of Women Affinity Groups, known as WAGs.
According to him, the initiative provides women with access to grants, support services and economic opportunities that can assist them in expanding existing businesses and establishing sustainable small-scale enterprises.
He said empowering women would contribute to improved household incomes, stronger families and more resilient communities.
The commissioner further stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between government and community leaders, noting that grassroots participation was essential to ensuring that development initiatives reached their intended beneficiaries.
The highlight of the engagement was the presentation of a brand-new Toyota Hiace bus and motorcycles to the Seriki-in-Council by Okubadejo through his family foundation, the Ìdèra Pathfinders Foundation.
Presenting the items, the commissioner said the gesture was intended to strengthen the council’s capacity to serve the Hausa community and improve its outreach, coordination and engagement across Ijebuland.
The donation also underscores the foundation’s stated commitment to community development, social inclusion and grassroots empowerment, while promoting cooperation and unity among communities in Ijebuland.
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