Somolu LG steps up World Tuberculosis Day with Health Awareness Walks

In a renewed push to combat the spread of tuberculosis and promote public health consciousness, the Somolu Local Government on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, marked this year’s World Tuberculosis Day with a large-scale health awareness walk across key parts of the community.

The initiative was led by the First Lady of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Mrs Shakirat Ashimi, and supported by her husband, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, who mobilised health workers, community stakeholders, and residents for the sensitisation exercise aimed at educating the public on the dangers, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases.

The one-day event, which witnessed impressive participation, commenced at the newly constructed Somolu Local Government Secretariat, serving as the convergence point for participants before the awareness walk took off. The exercise saw health officials and volunteers carrying megaphones and distributing informational materials to residents, while also engaging passersby on the importance of early detection and treatment adherence.

Addressing participants, Mrs Ashimi emphasised the need for sustained awareness and collective responsibility in tackling tuberculosis, describing it as a preventable and curable disease when properly managed. She urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they experience persistent cough, chest pain, or other related symptoms, stressing that early diagnosis remains key to reducing transmission.

She further highlighted the commitment of the Somolu Local Government administration, under the leadership of Chairman Hon. Lateef Ashimi, to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents have access to adequate medical services, including TB screening and treatment facilities.

However, she reminded the residents to give back to the APC-led administration during the coming election to further enjoy the dividends of Democracy as promised by the government.

Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Chief Rodiallahu Alabi poured encomium on the council’s First Lady, Mrs Shakirat Ashimi for the health initiative, noting that such an initiative would give the residents who could not afford the opportunity to get tested and treated free of charge and regain their health status.

He continued, “We want to give kudos to the First Lady of Somolu LG, Hon. Mrs Shakirat Ashimi and the State government led by Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for having the interest of the people at heart with this kind of initiative. This initiative will no doubt ease the financial pressure of addressing the health challenges some of our people are facing in the community. It’s our prayer that God continue to bless them and guide their step aright”. He echoed.

Health professionals at the event also conducted brief educational sessions, enlightening the public on the causes of tuberculosis, modes of transmission, and the availability of free treatment and drugs at designated health centres. They reiterated that stigma and misinformation continue to hinder efforts in eradicating the disease, calling for increased community support for affected individuals.

Residents who participated in the walk commended the initiative, noting that such grassroots engagement is vital to bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the community. Many expressed appreciation for the government’s proactive approach in bringing health awareness directly to the people.

The event was part of broader activities organised by the local government to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day, reinforcing the global campaign to end TB and ensure healthier communities.

With the successful turnout and impactful outreach recorded, stakeholders expressed optimism that continued awareness drives would significantly contribute to reducing the burden of tuberculosis in Somolu and beyond.