By Ibrahim A Jagaba
The government and people of Lagos State formed the fulcrum and prayer point, on Friday, 27, December, 2024, when Lagos State Body of Seriki Hausawas, held its last meeting for the year as well as a special prayer to end the year on a high and wish for greater times in the coming 2025.
The all important event as witnessed by this medium, held at the palace of Seriki Hausawa of Idi Araba, HRH Alhaji Hassan Abubakar Auyo, in Idi Araba, Mushin local government, with members of the royal body from across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State, comprising Ikeja, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Epe and Badagry in attendance.
The event started with a meeting, during which repeated calls were made by respective speakers, on the importance of peace and adherence to communal norms, law and order as the requisite ingredients that undoubtedly attract growth and enduring development in the society, thus, urging member Serikis to redouble efforts and be alive to their responsibility of increasing sensitization and advocacy on good and lawful conduct amongst members of the Arewa Community under their jurisdictions as Serikis.
The meeting, which was the first phase of a two pronged event, ended on a high note with all the Serikis pledging to commit more and lead the charge to enhance peace, progress and development, in line with Lagos State dreams and vision as enshrined in the governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administrations’ roadmap popularly called T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.
The event soon changed gear into a full blown special prayer for Lagos State in particular and the nation at large.
A renowned cleric in the Idi Araba Community, Sheik Mallam Nasiru led the special supplications and was sequentially assisted by other respected clerics lined up for the purpose; torrents of prayers were rendered for the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led Lagos State government as well as for the generality of Lagos residents.
Nigeria’s government under the stewardship of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was equally prayed for by the royal body; the prayers centred around peace and progress, development and overall stability of the polity amongst others.
Speaking on the sides of the double header event, one of the eldest members of the Lagos State Body of Seriki Hausawas, HRH Alhaji Hassan Abubakar Auyo, the Seriki Hausawa of Idi Araba, said, the prayer for Lagos and by extension the nation, signposted love and good wishes of the body of Serikis for Ilu-Eko and Nigeria, he added that, they had a strong belief in the efficacy of prayers and hope for the best for Lagos and Nigeria, regardless of passing challenges in force.
Chairman of the Chieftaincy Council of Arewa Community and Sarki Overall of Alimosho, a key member and Coordinator of the body, while, thanking God for the success of the meeting and special prayer for Lagos and Nigeria, described the event as a key exercise dedicated to support the government by the Lagos State Body of Seriki Hausawas.
Royal Highnesses, Seriki Shittu Idris of Ikorodu land, Seriki Haruna Sule of Epe kingdom, Seriki Aminu Jubirila Abdallah of Orile-Agege kingdom as well as Seriki Suleman Rabiu of Amuwo-Odofin kingdom, all expressed happiness and fulfilment on the successful conduct of the event, during a cross-sectional interview after the exercises.
The event was brought to a close with christmas and new year greetings to the government and people of Lagos by HRH Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Kuraja, the Sarki Overall of Alimosho on behalf of the royal signatures; he also seized the occasion to appreciate the Patron of the Lagos State Body of Seriki Hausawas and Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Chief Tayo Ayinde, for his continued fellowship and support to the royal umbrella body.
