Hon. Abdulhamid Salawu is a catalyst for transformation in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. His name resonates in the state as a model of purposeful and transformational leadership. As the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, his performance in terms of service delivery has been quite amazing. As a result of this, his name has become synonymous with a new wave of change and progress in the community, in recent years. Hon. Salawu has overseen a transformative period, marked by unprecedented strides in infrastructure development, social service delivery, and economic empowerment.
Salawu’s leadership in Somolu is a testament to what visionary governance can achieve when driven by a genuine commitment to the well-being of the people. His time in office has brought about a renaissance in Somolu, creating tangible impacts that resonate in every corner of the local government area.
From improved infrastructure and healthcare services to youth empowerment, education, and economic development, Salawu has been making an indelible mark on the community. As a result of the way his name resonates with good governance, he has been getting accolades from far and near. Recently, the Lagos State House of Assembly lauded the administration in Shomolu Local Government over infrastructural developments in the area. Showering the commendation on the Chairman, Abdul Salawu, the lawmakers led by Honourable Babatunde Okanlawon, who represents Kosofe Constituecy 01, disclosed that the local government has provided lots of democratic dividends to the people.
Sometimes earlier on, in another development, Lagos State House of Assembly also commended Somolu Local Government authority over healthcare delivery, stating that the local government has done well in primary healthcare sector. As part of the oversight function of Lagos State House of Assembly, the House Committee on Health, paid a visit to Somolu Local Government.
His vision is rooted in community service. When Abdulhamid Salawu first took office, the vision was clear: to uplift Somolu through purposeful governance, addressing the most pressing needs of the residents while laying a foundation for sustainable development. Drawing from his background in grassroots politics and community engagement, Salawu understood that real change had to be rooted in service to the people. His approach was not about grandstanding or political theatrics, but about rolling up his sleeves and getting to work on the issues that mattered most to Somolu’s residents.
In his inaugural address, Salawu emphasized that his administration would prioritize education, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment, and he has stayed true to those commitments now.
In terms of infrastructure, he has given Somolu a new face. One of the most significant aspects of his administration has been the extensive infrastructural development projects that have reshaped Somolu’s landscape. Roads that were once impassable, due to potholes and flooding, have been rehabilitated and upgraded, making commuting within the local government area far easier for residents and business owners alike.
Key roads such as Alade Market Road, Bajulaiye Road, and the iconic Fola Agoro Road have all seen major improvements, including resurfacing, proper drainage systems, and road markings. These upgrades have not only reduced traffic and enhanced accessibility but also helped prevent the perennial flooding that used to cripple the area during Lagos’ notorious rainy seasons. In addition, street lighting projects have been initiated to improve safety and security in major parts of Somolu, making it easier for residents to go about their business even after dark.
Beyond roads, Salawu has taken steps to address Somolu’s growing population and its need for public spaces. The construction and renovation of parks and recreational centers have been a key part of this effort. For instance, the Somolu Youth Recreation Center was renovated and equipped with modern facilities, providing a safe space for youth to engage in sports and other productive activities. Such spaces have become crucial for fostering community engagement, promoting physical well-being, and offering alternatives to social vices.
Healthcare delivery is also crucial to Salawu’s leadership. And this has been another area of remarkable progress in Somolu Local Government. Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services, his administration has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at upgrading the existing healthcare infrastructure and expanding healthcare delivery.
The renovation of the Somolu Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) stands as one of his administration’s crowning achievements. The once-neglected facility was transformed into a modern, well-equipped healthcare center capable of providing comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services, immunization programs, and basic treatments for common ailments. Salawu’s administration ensured that these centers were not only renovated but also staffed with well-trained medical personnel, and that essential drugs and medical supplies were made available.
In addition to upgrading healthcare facilities, Salawu’s administration launched periodic medical outreach programs across Somolu, offering free medical consultations, screenings, and medications to residents. These outreach progrrammes, which cater to hundreds of people at a time, have become vital in bridging the gap between the healthcare needs of low-income residents and their access to affordable medical services.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted Salawu’s commitment to healthcare. His administration quickly mobilized resources to provide palliative measures to the most vulnerable in the community, and Somolu’s healthcare centers played a pivotal role in the local vaccination campaign. Salawu was at the forefront of efforts to educate residents about the virus, enforce safety protocols, and ensure that vaccines were accessible to all eligible individuals in the area.
Youth development and empowerment a crucial part of Salawu’s agenda. He focuses seriously on this. Recognizing that the future of Somolu lies in its young population, he has initiated several programs aimed at providing youth with the skills, opportunities, and platforms they need to succeed.
One of his administration’s flagship initiatives is the Somolu Youth Empowerment Scheme (SYES), which provides vocational training in various fields, including carpentry, tailoring, digital skills, and cosmetology. Hundreds of young people have benefited from this program, equipping them with the skills needed to start their businesses or seek gainful employment. Salawu’s administration also provides start-up kits and seed capital for select beneficiaries, ensuring that they can hit the ground running after their training.
Additionally, the local government has organized career fairs, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurship workshops, partnering with local businesses and industry professionals to inspire and guide young people. Through these efforts, Salawu has created an enabling environment for Somolu’s youth to thrive, reducing unemployment and fostering economic self-reliance.
Salawu has also promoted the inclusion of youth in governance. He appointed several young people to key positions within his administration, providing them with leadership experience and exposure to the workings of local government. This move not only energizes his administration with fresh ideas but also empowers the next generation of leaders who will continue driving Somolu’s development.
To Salawu’s administration, education is a foundation for sustainable development. So he has made education a central pillar of its development agenda. Understanding that education is the bedrock of any thriving community, Salawu has invested in improving the quality of education at both primary and secondary levels within Somolu.
One of his major initiatives was the renovation of several public schools in Somolu, many of which had been in a state of disrepair for years. Classrooms were rebuilt, roofs replaced, and learning environments enhanced with the provision of modern teaching aids and furniture. Salawu’s administration also ensured that sanitary facilities in these schools were upgraded, recognizing the critical role hygiene plays in creating a conducive learning environment.
In addition to infrastructural improvements, Salawu’s government has launched scholarship programs to support indigent students in Somolu. These scholarships, which cover tuition fees and other educational expenses, have helped reduce the financial burden on low-income families and enabled more children to complete their education. Salawu also introduced free school feeding programs in collaboration with state and federal government initiatives, ensuring that students in public schools receive nutritious meals that help them focus better in class.
Recognizing the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) in the modern world, Salawu’s administration has also rolled out ICT training programs in public schools, providing students with access to computer labs and training them in basic digital literacy skills. This initiative aims to prepare Somolu’s youth for the challenges of the 21st century, positioning them to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy.
Beyond education and youth empowerment, a focus on economic empowerment and poverty alleviation is also on the agenda. Salawu’s administration has focused on economic empowerment and poverty alleviation, ensuring that the local economy grows in a way that benefits all residents. His administration has worked tirelessly to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Somolu, recognizing their vital role in driving local economic growth.
To this end, Salawu’s government has provided microcredit schemes for local traders and artisans, offering them access to low-interest loans and grants. This has enabled many small businesses to expand their operations, create jobs, and improve the economic vitality of the area. Additionally, the local government has organized business development workshops and capacity-building seminars, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Salawu has also placed a strong emphasis on market development. Recognizing the importance of local markets to the economy of Somolu, his administration has worked to modernize several of the key markets in the area. Alade Market, for instance, was revamped with improved facilities, better sanitation, and enhanced security measures, making it a safer and more attractive location for traders and shoppers.
Salawu doesn’t joke with security, ensuring peace, safety and security to drive community development. As a result, his leadership has seen significant improvements in security within diferrent communities in Somolu Local Government area. Collaborating closely with local law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders, his administration has worked to enhance the security architecture of the local government area. Streetlights, security patrols, and community policing initiatives have helped reduce the incidence of crime, making Somolu a safer place to live and work.
Furthermore, Salawu’s administration has promoted peacebuilding initiatives that foster harmony among different communities in Somolu. His government regularly engages with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders to address issues of conflict and ensure that Somolu remains a peaceful and united community.
As Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdulhamid Salawu’s achievements speak for themselves. His leadership has transformed Somolu into a beacon of progress in Lagos State, showing what can be achieved through visionary governance, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving the people. Under his watch, Somolu is moving to new heights, and his legacy of service delivery and development will continue to inspire future generations.
Abdulhamid Salawu has proven that true leadership is not about personal gain or political ambition—it is about making a difference in the lives of the people you serve. In Somolu, his name will
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