Somolu LG chairman distributes 1,500 food packs to elderly, cash and other empowerments to youths

As part of his monthly welfare package of food items to the elderly people in his local government, the Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu’s has in the spirit of Eid-al-Fitr, extended his hand of kindness to the doorsteps of elderly people in the council.

The food items loaded in eight buses delivered the food items at the eight major areas of Somolu simultaneously and delivery of the food items were done to the elderly people who are within the ages of 60 years and above in their various homes irrespective of their religions, political, ethnic or social affiliation.

Among the areas that got delivery of the over 1,500 food items bag are Akoka, Ijebutedo/Palmgrove, Onipanu, Fadeyi, Bajulaiye/Fola Agoro, Bashua, Okesuna and Alade/Orile Somolu.

The food items which includes Rice, garri and beans which were neatly sealed in the food items bagged for the elderly people as their monthly package which coincidentally fell on Eid-al-Fitr day.

 In some earlier editions of the programme, the elderly people had tubers of yam in their food items bag in place of garri and Hon. Salawu had promised such varieties in subsequent edition of the monthly programme.

The Somolu chairman, according to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya stated that apart from the food items for the elderly people on a monthly basis, 20 young entrepreneurs in Somolu were also empowered with N100,000 each every month and over 100 people had benefited from that. Sewing machines and cooking gas cylinders were also presented to young artisans in the monthly empowerment too.

The food distribution which was supervised by council chiefs in each ward, was also monitored by the Community Development Committee (CDC) which was represented by the Community Development Association (CDA) in each area.

Speaking on behalf of the CDC and CDAs, Chief Dapo Oduguwa (CDC Chairman) said the monthly welfare programme for the elderly people in Somolu has nothing to do with COVID-19 or Eid-al-Fitr.

“This programme has been in existence since 2017 and coincidentally this falls on Eid day when some of the elderly people might have not heard from their children due to the present lockdown and that is the reason this council chairman with a large heart is sending us to them today,” the community leader said.

However, the Council Chairman cautioned Muslims in Somolu to celebrate modestly to adhere to the stipulated restriction rules of the federal and state governments on coronavirus pandemic.

The event was witnessed by Pastor Femi Taiwo (Somolu APC Chairman), Hon. Jide Giwa (Deputy Leader), Hon. Abiola Fashoro (Women Leader) and other party and council’s chieftains, in company of Hon. Gbolahan Bagostowe (immediate past Council Chairman), Hon. Williams Lawanson (Immediate past Sole Administrator), Hon. Yomi Osunkoya (Council Leader) and Mrs. Omotanwa Salawu (Chairperson).

While addressing pressmen at the kickoff of the programme at the Council Secretariat, Hon. Salawu said that despite the fact that his administration is having about 30 road constructions for the benefit of the community, the welfare of his people is very important too.

 He said this month’s edition of the welfare package is dedicated to a late political and community leader, Chief Sikiru Asenuga who passed on last Thursday.

 “As we are constructing more roads to connect communities in Somolu, we have to strengthen the welfare of our people and that is the best way we can get connected to them, also as we put food on their tables, empowering their businesses and making health facilities to be accessible and affordable too,” he said.