Emmanuel lkpeama
Immediate Past Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Hon. Abdul Hammed Salawu, popularly known as “Dullar,” on Wednesday 29, April 2026,celebrated his birthday with a large-scale empowerment programme aimed at supporting residents of Somolu and Bariga Local Council Development Area. 
The event, held at Agunbiade Primary School, Somolu attracted community leaders, political associates, market men and women, youths, artisans, and hundreds of beneficiaries who gathered to witness the distribution of vocational tools and equipment.
As part of the initiative, over 1,000 residents benefited from various items designed to boost small businesses, encourage self-reliance, and improve livelihoods.
The items distributed included sewing machines, cobbler machines, deep freezers, generators, barbing equipment, ovens, tricycles, popcorn machines, computers, and several other tools for vocational skills development.
Speaking during the programme, Dullar, who is an aspirant for House of Rep, Somolu Federal Constituency seat, clarified that the empowerment initiative was not a political campaign but a personal decision to celebrate his birthday by giving back to the people.
According to him, many people choose to celebrate birthdays with lavish parties, food, and drinks, but he preferred to use the occasion to positively impact lives.
“Some people organise elaborate birthday parties, but instead of spending money on food and drinks, I decided to empower my people in Somolu and Bariga,” he said.
He further recalled that while serving as chairman of Somolu Local Government, he carried out a similar initiative where cash support was distributed to residents.
“When I was in office, I did something similar and we shared N50,000 each to about 1,000 people in Somolu. This time, my family wanted to celebrate me, but I told them I wanted the resources used to empower my people and I am happy that many people came out in large numbers to celebrate with me,” he added.
The present Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, who attended the event, commended his predecessor for sustaining his connection with the grassroots and for choosing to celebrate his birthday through community development.
Ashimi described the gesture as commendable and urged other leaders and public office holders to emulate such acts of generosity that directly improve the lives of ordinary people.
Beneficiaries at the programme also expressed gratitude, describing the support as timely and impactful amid current economic challenges.
One of the recipients of a sewing machine,Mrs Olusola said the equipment would help her expand her tailoring business and support her family financially.
Another beneficiary who received computer noted that the gesture had given him a fresh opportunity to expand more in his photography job and build more stable source of income.
Community members praised the selection of items distributed, noting that they were practical tools capable of generating immediate income for recipients.
Observers at the event said the programme reflected Dullar’s longstanding commitment to grassroots development and economic empowerment, even after leaving office as council chairman.
The atmosphere at Agunbiade Primary School remained festive throughout the event as supporters, residents, and well-wishers celebrated with the former chairman while applauding his contribution to human capital development.
The birthday empowerment programme has since generated positive reactions across Somolu and Bariga, with many residents describing it as a meaningful and impactful way to celebrate by investing in the welfare of the people.
As the All Progressives Congress House of Rep primary comes up on the Friday 15,May 2026,the people of Somolu and Bariga LGA cannot wait for Hon Hammed Salawu Dullar clinch the ticket for 2027 general election.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of cake to the celebrant by the Dullar Apc singers.
Those in attendance include the Chairman of Somolu LGA, Hon Lateef Ashimi,Wife of the former Chairman,Mrs Omotanwa Salawu,Hon Omogbolahan Bagostowe,Baale Babatunde Lawal,Baale Mufutau Akinpelu,Baale Fatai Kasimowo,Baale Radialan Yinusa,Baale Lateef Alade, Supervisory Councilors,ward leaders among others.
