Somolu Chairman, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar’, Receives APC Diaspora Excellence Award
By Sesan Rufus Awobiye
The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu, popularly known as ‘Dullar’, has been honored with the prestigious APC Diaspora Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to grassroots governance. The award was presented to him by Alhaji Adebowale C’Nureen Adeyemo, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Diaspora, accompanied by a distinguished international delegation from the G6 APC ECOWAS Diaspora Support Group, led by its Secretary General, Alhaji Lawal Usuman.
The award ceremony took place at the New Somolu Local Government Administrative Complex, a soon-to-be-commissioned state-of-the-art facility that embodies Hon. Salawu’s commitment to modernizing the governance infrastructure of Somolu. The complex, which represents a major milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve service delivery and local administration, has been hailed as a symbol of progress and transformative leadership.
In attendance were key dignitaries from Somolu Local Government, including Hon. Adekunle Odujobi-Ekiyemi, Vice Chairman of Somolu LG; Hon. Yomi Osunkoya, Leader of the Somolu Legislative Council; Hon. Ayodele Afolabi, Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Folarin Olubiyi, Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Hon. Ayo Hector Coker, Supervisor for Agriculture, Community, and Social Services; Pastor Joseph Onosolease, Special Adviser on Tourism; Mr. Abayomi Odusanya, Council Treasurer; as well as other senior aides, local government officials, and associates of the Chairman.
During the presentation, the APC Diaspora delegation expressed their admiration for Hon. Salawu’s visionary leadership. They commended him for setting a new benchmark for local governance, noting his exceptional ability to bridge the gap between the government and the people. The delegation particularly praised the establishment of the new administrative complex, which they described as a tangible representation of Hon. Salawu’s dedication to improving the quality of governance at the grassroots level. They acknowledged that under his leadership, Somolu has witnessed tremendous infrastructural development, enhanced transparency, and an unwavering focus on the welfare of the people.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Salawu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the APC Diaspora leadership, his colleagues, and the people of Somolu for their continued trust and support. He emphasized that the award was not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of his team and the entire Somolu community. The Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the work of transforming Somolu into a model local government area, underscoring his administration’s focus on innovative governance, sustainable development, and impactful leadership that meets the needs of the people.
Hon. Salawu also took the opportunity to highlight some of the key initiatives that his administration has implemented over the past few years, including the construction of new roads, the expansion of healthcare and educational facilities, and efforts to ensure that Somolu remains a hub for social, cultural, and economic activities. He reiterated his promise to stay focused on the progress of the community and to lead with integrity and accountability.
This prestigious award serves as a testament to Hon. Salawu’s remarkable contributions to local governance and his continuous efforts to elevate Somolu as a beacon of progressive administration. The recognition also reflects the growing acknowledgment of his leadership beyond the shores of Nigeria, particularly within the African Diaspora.
Hon. Salawu’s leadership continues to inspire and set the pace for transformative governance that has not only enhanced the local community but has also positioned Somolu Local Government as a model for others to follow.