As the yuletide period comes to an end, many residents of Somolu Local Government are now looking to stabilize their businesses and pay school fees, thanks to a new initiative by the Chairperson of Somolu Local Government, Mrs. Shakirat Temitope Ashimi. The Human Rights Advocate Group was tasked with identifying small business owners without any government affiliations and recommending them for the second cash transfer initiative since the current administration assumed office.
The leadership of various market associations provided names of business owners struggling to stabilize their ventures, including Orange Sellers, Plantain Chips Owners, Groundnuts Sellers, Banana Sellers, Hairdressers, Fashion Designers, Meat Sellers, Shoemakers, Fish Sellers, and others. From the data collected, it was clear that Nigerians are resilient and hardworking, and while financial constraints limited the assistance to #100,000 per beneficiary, a total of 500 business owners benefited from the #50,000,000 initiative.
Reports from the first edition of the program motivated the government to continue the exercise. According to Mrs. Ashimi, “The Business Support programme may not be able to solve all your financial needs, but we want to help you stabilize and remain in business.”
Hon. Demola Olisa, the Apex Leader of APC in Somolu Local Government, commended the Chairperson for lifting residents from obscurity. He described the initiative as thoughtful, noting that it assisted downtrodden traders when they least expected it. Mrs. Ashimi emphasized that the majority of the recipients are women, stating, “The home must be secured; they should do everything humanly possible to support their husbands and remain in their marriage.”
In addition to the cash support, a utility bus was presented to the Market Association. Mr. Kunle Okueigbo, who received the vehicle on behalf of the association, pledged to use it for its intended purpose.
The administration has also completed the laying of interlocking stones on several streets, including Duru Close, Abimbola Street, Dabira, Israel Oyekan Street, Henry Adigwu, Awofeso, Durosimi, Boyle, and Esan Ogboogun, with more projects ongoing. Construction of culverts, drainage channels, a standard table hall, and the Wright Primary Healthcare Centre is also underway. The occasion was witnessed by Vice Chairman Hon. Taiwo Ojomu and other top residents of Somolu Local Government.
Olusegun Akinyemi, Director of Public Affairs, reported on the successful implementation of these projects, highlighting the administration’s commitment to promoting peace, harmony, development, and joy in the community.
