Since assuming office one year ago, Ashimi has embarked on various projects aimed at transforming Somolu through strategic infrastructure development, improved healthcare, education support, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and social welfare programmes.
Under his leadership, several landmark projects have been executed across the council area, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Roads have received attention through rehabilitation works, while public facilities have been upgraded to improve service delivery.
In the health sector, the administration has strengthened primary healthcare services through medical outreach programmes, health awareness campaigns and the provision of modern equipment to healthcare facilities. Residents have also benefited from free medical screenings and other initiatives designed to promote healthy living.
Education has remained a major priority of the Ashimi administration. The council has continued to support pupils and students through the distribution of educational materials, sponsorship of academic programmes, free JAMB and tutorials for candidates preparing for public examinations and initiatives aimed at encouraging academic excellence among young people.
In the last one, his administration has equally empowered entrepreneurs, artisans and small business owners for 3rd consecutive time through financial intervention programmes and economic support initiatives. One of the most notable achievements was the distribution of the Renewed Hope Palliative Grant to hundreds of beneficiaries, providing much-needed financial assistance to boost businesses and improve livelihoods.
Youth and women empowerment have also featured prominently during the first year of the administration. Skills acquisition programmes, vocational training, entrepreneurship support and sports development initiatives have provided opportunities for young people to become self-reliant while promoting community development.
Ashimi’s government has also demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through regular monthly sanitation exercises, tree-planting campaigns, fumigation programmes, and environmental awareness initiatives aimed at creating a cleaner and healthier Somolu.
Security has received considerable attention through collaboration with relevant security agencies, support for community policing initiatives and improvements in public safety infrastructure to ensure residents continue to enjoy a peaceful environment.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the chairman has maintained an open-door policy, engaging residents, community development associations, market leaders, religious organisations and traditional institutions in decision-making processes. This inclusive style of governance has strengthened public confidence and fostered greater community participation in local government affairs.
Political observers noted that the administration has remained focused on transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources while implementing programmes that directly impact the lives of the people.
Speaking during activities marking the anniversary, Hon. Ashimi expressed gratitude to the people of Somolu for their unwavering support, trust and cooperation throughout his first year in office.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building a more prosperous, inclusive and progressive local government, assuring residents that the administration would intensify efforts to deliver more developmental projects and quality public services.
“We are grateful to God and to the good people of Somolu for the confidence they have reposed in this administration. The achievements recorded within the past year are products of collective support and teamwork. We remain committed to providing responsive governance that prioritises the welfare of our people and accelerates the development of our community,” he said.
Residents and stakeholders who reflected on the administration’s first year described the chairman as a leader whose policies have positively impacted various sectors of the local government. They expressed optimism that the momentum would be sustained in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, as Hon. Lateef Ashimi celebrates one year in office, many believe his administration has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development, with expectations that the coming years will witness even greater achievements in infrastructure, human capital development, economic empowerment and improved service delivery across Somolu Local Government.