OKUBADEJO STRENGTHENS TIES WITH IJEBU HAUSA COMMUNITY, DONATES BUS AND MOTORCYCLES TO SERIKI-IN-COUNCIL

 

The Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development as he hosted leaders of the Hausa community across Ijebuland.

The strategic engagement meeting, held in Ijebu-Ode, brought together Serikis (Hausa community heads), the Chief Imam, and executives from over 50 towns and settlements across Ijebuland, including Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-East, Ijebu-North, Ijebu-North-East, Ago-Iwoye, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, J4, Ibiade, Abigi, Isiwo, Ijagun, Ilese, Imodi, Imosan, Idowa, Ijebu-Itele, Ogbere, Ibefun, Okun-Owa, Imoru, Sabo and Mokore, among others. Also in attendance was the Ogun East Woman Leader of the Hausawa Community, Alhaja Ladi Abubakar.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders, the Sarkin Hausawa of Ijebuland, Alhaji Yahaya Garba Alawa, lauded the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for its visible strides in infrastructure, economic growth and people-oriented programmes. He noted that the Hausa community has witnessed remarkable progress under the present administration and pledged their continued loyalty and support for its development agenda.

In his remarks, Hon. Okubadejo appreciated the Hausa community for their peaceful co-existence and immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Ijebuland. He urged the Serikis to ensure their people take full advantage of the various empowerment and intervention programmes of the Ogun State Government.

According to him, the administration has rolled out numerous initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, supporting small businesses and creating sustainable economic opportunities, but such benefits can only be realised when community members are well-informed and actively participate.

The Commissioner particularly charged the leaders to prioritize women empowerment by mobilizing women in their communities to form Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) to benefit from the Nigeria for Women Project. He explained that the WAG initiative offers women access to grants, capacity building and economic support to expand existing businesses and establish new ones, which in turn will strengthen families and build more resilient communities.

Hon. Okubadejo stressed that collaboration between government and community leaders remains key to ensuring that development reaches the grassroots and that shared prosperity is achieved across the state.

The high point of the event was the donation of a brand new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus and motorcycles to the Seriki-in-Council by Hon. Okubadejo through his family foundation, the Ìdèra Pathfinders Foundation.

Presenting the items, the Commissioner said the gesture was to enhance the operational capacity of the Council, improve its coordination and outreach across Ijebuland, and further promote unity and social inclusion.

The donation, according to him, underscores the commitment of the Ìdèra Pathfinders Foundation to community development, grassroots empowerment and fostering collective progress.