The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu, popularly known as ‘Dullar,’ recently hosted a stakeholders’ consultative forum to discuss the 2025 Budget at the newly inaugurated Somolu Secretariat Complex on Wednesday 20th November, 2024.
The event was attended by a diverse group of key community leaders, including traditional rulers, party leaders, artisans, religious figures, academics, and financial experts, who gathered to assess the past year’s progress and provide input for the upcoming budget.
In his address, Hon. Salawu emphasized the commitment of his administration to the sustainable development and economic growth of Somolu. He reflected on the various achievements recorded under his leadership in the last 7 years, highlighting a strong track record of delivering essential services to the people of Somolu, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, Social and economic empowerment.
Key Achievements Highlighted by Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar’
Hon. ‘Dullar’ began his presentation by outlining significant strides made in infrastructure, such as the Welfare Packages for elderly residents tagged “OUNJE ARUGBO”. The Food Palliatives for Residents to cushion the effect of subsidy removal and economic hardship N160m Cash Intervention for Petty Traders to support their Businesses where 5,000 residents have benefitted. This was done in 5 phases.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 60 roads, the renovation of dilapidated schools, and the upgrade of healthcare facilities within the council area. He particularly noted the completion of several road projects, which he described as “vital for boosting trade and improving mobility within the council.”
The Chairman also drew attention to the administration’s efforts in the education sector, where funding was increased for the provision of educational materials, scholarships for students, and the rehabilitation of school buildings; for instance, the construction of Blocks of Classrooms at Agunbiade Primary School, Construction of Wesley Primary School, Support for students of Somolu to participate in, Spelling Bee Competitions, Provision of free GCE and UTME forms for indigent Students.
He proudly shared that the council had achieved an improvement in educational performance, which he attributed to better learning environments and increased collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Healthcare services were also a focus, as Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu reported that Somolu’s health centers were upgraded to improve service delivery with the construction of Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu as well as PHC’s regular provision of Medical Check-ups to residents of Somolu. The Council always reaches out to patients who can’t afford their medical bills to ease them of such bills. There is ongoing construction of Wright Primary Health Care Centre which will be completed in no time.
“All these were done despite the Economic Instability but with the grace of the God Almighty, we were able to still deliver to the people mandate as promised. This year’s Stakeholders forum which will be the final of our administration has been carefully packaged to accommodate all the inputs, several requests, and opinions of our beloved Stakeholders, in consideration of the Council Annual Financial Budget for the coming year 2025”. He echoed.
Stakeholder Engagement and Participation
The forum offered stakeholders an opportunity to express their views on the upcoming budget, and many in attendance took the chance to provide valuable feedback. Traditional rulers urged the government to prioritize the development of local infrastructure and security, while religious and academic leaders emphasized the importance of investments in education, youth empowerment, and healthcare.
Party leaders expressed their support for the administration’s efforts in budget implementation and a more equitable distribution of resources to ensure that no area is left behind.
Artisans and small business owners also voiced concerns regarding access to financial support, urging the local government to introduce more robust measures to facilitate the growth of small businesses, including easier access to loans and grants. In response, Hon. Salawu assured the stakeholders that the council was working with financial institutions to create favorable conditions for local entrepreneurs.
In his closing remarks, he expressed his profound gratitude by saying thank you again and again for all of the unflinching support, unending prayers, and cooperation in all areas which have immensely contributed to the success and achievement of his first and second terms in office with numerous developmental projects evident all around Somolu Local Government.
He also used the opportunity to solicit maximum cooperation, continuous support, and unending prayers for the Administration of the APC Leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and of course the hardworking Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in their quest to achieve greater heights and move Lagos State and Nigeria forward.
