In Somolu LGA, the chairman says things are working but residents have complaints

by Omoleye Omoruyi

Somolu Local Government, Lagos, hosted YMonitor in continuation of the Grassroot engagement series on Friday, June 22, 2018. An event which had in attendance the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hammed Salawu, represented by Mr Leke Odunfa, Head, Public Affairs Unit; Hon. Abdul Lateef Muibi, Majority Leader; Hon. Adewale Oseni, Supervisor for Agric & Social Services and others.

Having in attendance concerned residents of the Local Government, Mr Odunfa said the current administration has been people-centric saying, “We have five active Primary Health Care centres across Somolu LGA. Before you visit a General Hospital you can visit a PHC“.

He adds that the administration buys UTME forms for students in the local government.

In reaction, residents commended the efforts of the Chairman, however, appealed for more efforts to provide infrastructure.

Cross section of Participants at the YMonitor grassroots engagement hosted by Somolu LGA, Lagos

A resident from Ajose and Salami streets complained bitterly about lack of water and the bad roads that have caused more harm than good. In the same light, a resident from Emmanuel Street talked about the heap of refuse that has taken over the area asking the government to ask PSPs to constantly visit the area to take away the refuse. This was corroborated by a resident from Ward J, Ewuawe street who said the heaps of refuse will cause serious health problems if nothing is done.

Dr Wale Oseni, Supervisor for Agric , Somolu LGA responding to questions from participants at the grassroots engagement

In contrast to what Mr Odunfa said about educational strides by the Chairman, a resident from Onoolapo CDA said the infrastructure in schools in Somolu are dilapidated, no chairs, no tables for the pupils in Primary and Secondary Schools.

Among the issues raised, a football coach said youth empowerment should not be centred primarily on providing jobs, suggesting that the government should revive sports in the local government.

Adedapo Oduguwa, the CDC chairman, Somololu LGA at the grassroots engagement

Reacting to all the complaints, Mr Odunfa said the Chairman will look into all the issues and will provide solution.