25/02/2026
HICA presents CELF scholar, seeks Oloriegbe’s support
The Haashim Initiative for Community Advancement (HICA) delegation, alongside a beneficiary of the 2020 Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) scholarship, Abdulwasiu Abdulwahab, paid a courtesy visit to the cohort sponsor, Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, at his Ilorin residence.
Leading the delegation, CELF Convener, Dr Abdulrasheed Saadudeen said the visit was to convey heartfelt appreciation for the senator's generous support and to formally present the scholar who benefitted from the sponsorship.
He noted that the scholarship has continued to transform lives, empowering young leaders with skills and confidence to serve their communities while strengthening grassroots development efforts across Kwara State and beyond.
The delegation also sought sustained collaboration, particularly in capacity building and community development initiatives aimed at nurturing responsible leadership and expanding opportunities for young people in underserved communities.
Responding, Dr Oloriegbe commended the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting impactful programmes like CELF, describing youth empowerment as a shared responsibility essential for sustainable community growth and national development.
04/02/2026
*HICA announces graduation of 2020 CELF Scholar, commends Senator Oloriegbe's educational support*
Haashim Initiative for Community Advancement (HICA) has announced the graduation of Abdulwahab Abdulwasiu Kayode, a beneficiary of the 2020 Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) scholarship sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe.
The fellowship is a flagship youth empowerment programme of HICA, focused on leadership development, education support, mentorship, and community service for promising young Nigerians from underserved communities.
Abdulwasiu is one of three beneficiaries awarded educational scholarships by Senator Oloriegbe under the 2020 CELF Cohort, covering students drawn from Kwara Central Senatorial District.
He studied English and Literary Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and graduated with a Second Class Upper degree, representing Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
HICA described the graduation as a testament to Senator Oloriegbe’s sustained commitment to human capital development, noting that educational investments remain critical to nurturing future leaders and driving grassroots development.
The organisation prayed for continued good health, longevity, and increased impact for the chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening partnerships advancing education, leadership, and community development initiatives nationwide.
Dr Abdulrasheed Saadudeen
Convener, CELF
3 February, 2026
14/12/2025
HICA Congratulates First CELF Scholar on KWASU Convocation Milestone
…lauds Governor AbdulRazaq for sustaining youth-focused education support
The Haashim Initiative for Community Advancement (HICA) congratulates the first Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) scholar, Adesina Bidemi Joy, on her successful graduation in Public Administration from Kwara State University, Malete.
Adesina, a native of Oke-ero Local Government Area, is one of the sixteen fellows in the 2021 cohort awarded scholarships by the Kwara State Government.
The convocation represents a historic milestone for CELF, reinforcing its vision of empowering secondary school students through structured exposure to community development, personal development, and entrepreneurship-driven leadership.
Through an intensive two-week hands-on fellowship, CELF equips young Nigerians with practical life and leadership skills, with outstanding fellows awarded scholarships to study courses of their choice in public universities nationwide.
Four years on, the graduation of the pioneer scholar affirms the programme’s enduring impact in nurturing educated, responsible, and community-oriented leaders committed to sustainable national development.
HICA expresses profound appreciation to His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State, for sponsoring the 2021 CELF scholars and demonstrating steadfast commitment to youth-centred educational advancement.
The organisation notes that the governor's support underscores Kwara State's prioritisation of inclusive human capital development and productive partnerships that expand access to quality education for deserving young citizens.
HICA also extends its appreciation to all supporting stakeholders, including corporate organisations, for their invaluable contributions and calls for the sustained partnership and support necessary to deepen and expand the impact of the CELF initiative.
Dr Abdulrasheed Saadudeen
Convener, CELF
22/03/2025
On behalf of CELF volunteers and fellows, we wish our pioneer convener and Office of the Commissioner for Education & Human Capital Devt., Kwara State , Dr Lawal O. Olohungbebe success in his new assignment.
22/03/2025
Honoring a Visionary Leader: A Visit to Celebrate Our Pioneer Convener
Today, the Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) team had the honor of visiting Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, the Honorable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, to congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment and appreciate his unwavering support for CELF over the years. As our pioneer convener, his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development has been instrumental in shaping the initiative into what it is today.
Led by the new Convener, Dr. Saadudeen Abdulrasheed, the team comprising some dedicated volunteers and CELF fellows from various institutions came together to express our gratitude and celebrate this new milestone. The event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Barke, who shared her joy in seeing how CELF has grown. She recalled suggesting granting the approval for our inaugural event in 2021 and expressed her pride in the impact the initiative continues to make in nurturing young leaders.
The fellows in attendance were also led by Lawalson Testimony, a 400-level student of Kwara State University, alongside Oladosu Victory (300L), Muhammed Salmat (300L), Tijjani Ibrahim (300L), and Abdullateef Muhammed (200L) from the University of Ilorin, as well as Isiaq Fasilat, an ND 2 graduate of Kwara State Polytechnic. Lawalson Testimony spoke about how CELF has positively influenced their academic and leadership journey, emphasizing its role in shaping their aspirations and commitment to community development.
In his response, the Honorable Commissioner appreciated the continuous support of His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in ensuring the success of CELF since its inception. He was particularly pleased to see some of the CELF fellows now thriving in various institutions across Kwara and commended the dedication of the volunteers who have sustained the initiative for over a decade.
As a token of appreciation, the CELF Convener presented a special gift to the Honorable Commissioner, bearing a heartfelt message acknowledging his dedication and the significance of his new role. The entire CELF community rejoices with him, confident that his leadership will drive meaningful progress in education and human capital development.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe. His impact continues to inspire us, and we remain committed to the vision of empowering young leaders and fostering positive change in our communities.
11/03/2025
CELF describes Olohungbebe’s appointment as recognition of nurturing young talents
..lauds Gov. AbdulRazaq's commitments to education
The Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) has described the appointment of its pioneer convener, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, as the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development as a well-deserved recognition of his efforts in nurturing young talents, particularly in underserved communities across the state.
According to a statement released by the CELF Convener, Dr Abdulrasheed Saadudeen, the newly sworn-in commissioner has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to community development, education, and youth empowerment.
The youth development platform also expressed its appreciation to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for recognizing Dr. Olohungbebe’s dedication to human development by appointing him as a commissioner. The decision, according to the group, underscored the Governor’s steadfast commitment to improving education and human capital development in Kwara State.
"While serving as a Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, he played a pivotal role in advancing grassroots engagement, championing community-empowerment initiatives, and implementing impactful and sustainable programmes and projects which have transformed many lives across the state. We are unshakably confident that he would bring this wealth of experience to bear on the state education sector by formulating meaningful reforms and coming up with innovative ideas that would help to further develop the sector. Besides, his wealth of knowledge would also, to a greater extent, engender human development in our dear state."
"His visionary leadership across development-based platforms, including Haashim Initiative for Community Advancement (HICA) and Hanis Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), laid a solid foundation for capacity-building among young people, particularly in underserved communities. Through these platforms, he was able to nurture emerging leaders, providing for them access to education opportunities, and strengthening the bridge between government policies and community needs," the statement added.
CELF assured the new commissioner of its unwavering support while wishing him success in the new assignment.
19/05/2024
HICA appoints Saadudeen as 2024 CELF convener
The advisory board of the Haashim Initiative for Community Advancement (HICA) has appointed Abdulrasheed Saadudeen as the convener of 2024 edition of the Countryside Emerging Leadership (CELF).
Since its maiden edition in the year 2020, Saadudeen has been the CELF secretary, handling publicity and media relations alongside other volunteers for the educational camping aimed at equipping the youths with functional education.
The statement reads: “The HICA advisory board wishes to announce the appointment of Dr Abdulrasheed Saadudeen as the convener of the 2024 edition of the Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) to provide effective leadership and oversight of CELF.
“Dr Saadudeen has been with the organisation for the last six years as volunteer and part of its leadership team having served as Secretary roles and as community and media relations officer. He is also the project manager of the Kwara Unsung Heroes’ Award. The board would like to also extend its appreciation to Dr Lawal Olohungbebe who has been the CELF convener for the past four years, “ the statement adds.
Saadudeen holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) from University of Ilorin and a Master of Science (M. Sc.) degree from University of Lagos. He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
14/12/2025
22/03/2025
11/03/2025
19/05/2024
05/12/2023