The Ogun State Honourable 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 meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Hausa community and the Ogun State Government.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Hausa community heads (Serikis), Chief Imam, and executives from several locations across Ijebuland, including Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-East, Ijebu-North, Ijebu-North-East, Ago-Iwoye, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, J4, Imaweta, Ibiade Waterside, Abigi, Ooni, Itamako, Iibido, Isiwo, Ijagun, Ilese, Imodi, Imosan, Idowa, Ala, Waterside, Ijebu-Itele, Ogbogb, Erunwon, Ijari, Ogbere, Oke Eri, Ibefun, Egbe, Imawaje, Iloti, Molipa, Odoselu, Odolowo, Aronwa, Okun-Owa, Imoru, Itamarun, Sabo, Molode and Mokorede, and the Ogun East Woman Leader for 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 its commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth and programmes designed to improve the welfare and wellbeing of residents across the State.
Alhaji Alawa noted that the Hausa community had witnessed considerable progress under the current administration and expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts in delivering impactful development projects. He assured of the community’s continued support for the administration and its development agenda.
In his response, Hon. Okubadejo urged the community leaders to take full advantage of the various programs, initiatives, and empowerment opportunities introduced by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun. He explained that these interventions were specifically designed to improve livelihoods, strengthen businesses, and create greater economic opportunities for residents.
The Honourable Commissioner encouraged the Serikis to ensure that members of their communities were adequately informed about available government programmes and supported to participate actively, stressing that the benefits of such initiatives could only be fully realised when people embraced the opportunities provided.
He also called on the leaders to prioritise the empowerment of women within their communities by encouraging them to participate in the Nigeria for Women Program through the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs).
According to him, the WAG initiative provides women with access to grants, support services, and economic opportunities that can help them expand existing businesses, improve their livelihoods, and establish sustainable small-scale enterprises.
Hon. Okubadejo emphasised that the involvement of women in such programs would not only improve household incomes but also contribute to stronger families, more resilient communities, and broader economic development.
He further reiterated the importance of collaboration between government and community leaders in ensuring that development initiatives reach grassroots beneficiaries, noting that inclusive participation remains critical to achieving sustainable growth and shared prosperity across the state.
The highlight of the engagement was the donation of a brand-new Toyota Hiace bus and motorcycles to the Seriki-in-Council by Hon. Okubadejo through his family foundation, the Ìdèra Pathfinders Foundation.
Presenting the vehicle and motorcycles, the Commissioner said the gesture was aimed at strengthening the council’s capacity to serve the Hausa community and enhance its outreach and coordination efforts across Ijebuland.
The donation further demonstrates the Idera Pathfinders Foundation’s commitment to community development, social inclusion, and grassroots empowerment while fostering unity, collaboration, and collective progress across Ijebuland.
