By ISAAC DANIEL
The Somolu Local Government, led by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, held her Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum for the 2026 Budget, recently, at the Banquet Hall of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Administrative Building. Somolu, Lagos.
Speaking at well attended event, the Council Chairman said:,”This gathering is a precursor to a working and workable appropriation bill, because it is the foundation upon which our success in the year stands.”
“It is very essential and important to engage key stakeholders from various sectors of the society, because these individuals and organizations are likely to take ownership of the financial responsibilities of the appropriation bill.”
“We are the government, but you are the people; it is critical to involve the governed in the governance of their communities. What you need in Ward A may differ from what Ward B needs. What the youth need may be different from what our women need.”
“The Local Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (LEEDS) is a pointer to reducing poverty and increasing prosperity at the Local Government level. Whatever is embedded in the appropriation bill must be tailored towards growth and development for the residents.”
“Every community has projects that are of great importance to it. We are conscious of the fact that this gathering is meant for us to listen to the people, but we cannot but enumerate some salient and critical achievements we have recorded since we assumed office four months ago,” he said.
Hon. Ashimi further cited his administration’s substantial achievements across all sectors, while each group’s representatives took their turns to give credible feedback regarding their crucial needs, which they urged to be included in the next year’s budget for Somolu’s sustainable development.
The interactive session was handled successfully by the HOD of Budget, Statistics and Planning, Mr. Oluremi Giwa, and the Director/HOD of Information, Mr. Olusegun Akinyemi.
In his response, Hon. Ashimi assured the stakeholders of taking their requirements with utmost priority, and the Vice Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Hassan Ojomu, rounded up the crucial engagement with a vote of thanks to the participants. He also backed the assurance stated emphatically by the Council Chairman.
Meanwhile, according to Wasiu Badaru IjebuChemist, Chief Press Secretary, Somolu Local Government Area, adequate plans are underway by the leadership of the Somolu Local Government to hold the Y2026 Budget Retreat, tagged “Budget of Improved Social and Infrastructural Development.”
