In a remarkable show of commitment to social welfare and community development, the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, distributed a comprehensive welfare package to elderly residents and persons with disabilities across the local government area.
The initiative, tagged the Renewed Hope Welfare Package, is aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship on vulnerable members of the community. It also serves as a continuation of the people-centered legacy of Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu, popularly known as Dullar, the immediate past Executive Chairman of Somolu.
Speaking during the distribution event, Hon. Ashimi emphasized that the gesture was not merely symbolic, but a deliberate move to deliver the dividends of democracy to those who need them the most.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to give back to the people, especially our elders and persons living with disabilities. The goal is to alleviate the suffering of our people by ensuring that basic food items reach those who are most vulnerable,” he stated.
The welfare packages distributed included essential food items such as rice, beans, and garri flour—staples that are expected to provide immediate relief to recipients and their families.
The distribution, which took place at the local government secretariat, witnessed a large turnout of beneficiaries, community leaders, and local officials. Many elderly residents expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as timely and thoughtful, especially in light of the current economic climate.
Mrs. Adebisi Oladejo, a 72-year-old beneficiary, praised the council’s efforts, saying, “We are grateful that our leaders still remember us. This food will go a long way in helping me and my grandchildren. May God bless Hon. Ashimi for his kindness.”
Similarly, Mr. Sunday Oke, a visually impaired resident of Somolu, appreciated the gesture and urged the government to sustain such interventions regularly.
The Renewed Hope Welfare Package aligns with broader national calls for inclusive governance and social responsibility at the grassroots level. It also reinforces Somolu’s position as a local government that prioritizes the welfare of its people.
Observers noted that Hon. Ashimi’s administration has shown early signs of continuity, compassion, and responsiveness—traits that defined his predecessor’s time in office.
As the day concluded, smiles and words of appreciation filled the air—underscoring the impact of even modest interventions when targeted effectively.