In a show of renewed commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance, the incoming councillors in Somolu Local Government Area of the state have begun engaging with their respective wards in a series of strategic meetings aimed at fostering unity, setting legislative priorities, and aligning with community expectations ahead of the July 12, 2025 local government elections.
The meetings, which held at the Campaign House, Shipeolu, brought together party faithful, community leaders, youth groups, market women, artisans, religious stakeholders, and traditional title holders in what has been described as an unprecedented pre-office community dialogue.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship candidates—most of whom are expected to be elected unopposed or with wide margins given the party’s dominance in the area—used the opportunity to outline their legislative agendas, receive feedback from constituents, and discuss pressing issues of the elections.
Speaking during one of the ward sessions, Hon. Folarin Olubiyi, the APC councillorship candidate for Ward C, emphasized the need for “accessible representation” and promised to create a direct communication channel between his office and the residents to ensure community needs are swiftly addressed.
“We are not waiting until we are sworn in before engaging the people. Governance begins now. The purpose of this meeting is to co-create solutions with our people and assure them that we are ready to serve with integrity,” Olubiyi noted.
Similarly, Hon. Oluwakemi Mayabikan of Ward F, one of the two female councillorship candidates in the LGA, reaffirmed her commitment to women empowerment, youth development, and education. She urged the youth to be active partners in governance and not mere spectators.
“Gone are the days when young people waited on the sidelines. As future leaders, you must take ownership of the political process and collaborate with us to drive meaningful development in Somolu,” Mayabikan stated.
Highlights from other wards included the unveiling of proposed community development projects such as road rehabilitation, market expansion, health outreach initiatives, and digital literacy programs. Many of the candidates also reiterated their alignment with the vision of the APC Chairmanship candidate, Hon. AbdulLateef Ashimi, whose campaign has been largely people-focused.
Also present at some of the meetings were notable political leaders and party stalwarts including Hon. Olorogun Gbolanhan Bagostowe, a former chairman and mobilizer, who commended the councillorship candidates for hitting the ground running. “This is the kind of leadership we need-proactive, responsive, and community-driven,” he said.
Party members and residents alike praised the initiative, describing it as a breath of fresh air in local governance. Alhaja Awawu Olabisi Agoro, a community elder in Ward E, said, “This is the first time we’re seeing councillorship candidates calling for town-hall-style meetings before elections. It shows they are truly here to serve.”
As the July 12 local government election approaches, political analysts have commended Somolu APC’s strategy of early engagement, noting that it could further consolidate the party’s grip on the council area while also raising the bar for political leadership at the grassroots level.
With voters now more enlightened and community voices louder than ever, the incoming councillors appear poised to translate campaign promises into action, beginning not from the chambers—but from the streets of their wards.
