Somolu LG Boss, Ashimi Grants Rights Monitors’ (HURMA) Appeal, Increases Gen Hospt Health Support to N3m Monthly – Rights Monitors

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The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Comrade Hon. Abdul-Lateef Ashimi has approved the recent request by the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative) led by the Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak for an increase in the monthly Special Health Intervention Fund (SHIF) for Somolu General Hospital.

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The LG Boss, Comrade Hon. Ashimi announced the substantial increase in the Monthly Health Support Fund, tripling the figure from N1 million to N3 million after a strategic meeting held on Friday, December 12, 2025, with key stakeholders in the Somolu health sector and the office of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda HURMA.

The meeting held at the Somolu Local Government Chairman’s office was initiated by HURMA Executive Director, Comrade Buna who had earlier presented the plight of the General Hospital welfare management to the Hon. Chairman and afterwards arranged a convenient date for all parties.
Representatives at the meeting include Somolu General Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Mustapha Ademola Qadri; Mrs. Bello Tosin, Social Welfare; Mr. Debo, Admin office and Mr.Popoola, Store Dept. Also with Comrade Buna Isiak from Rights Monitors office was the Somolu HURMA Coordinator, Comrade Monsur Akinremi among others.

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According to the council’s report through the Chief Press Secretary, Wasiu Badaru (Ijebu Chemist), the increase aims to ensure enhanced transparency, accountability, and a more robust synergy among all parties for the effective implementation of the health initiative. This initiative provides crucial financial assistance to needy Somolu residents for medical needs, complementing the local government’s other community health support schemes.

The Health Initiative was originally pioneered by the past administration led by Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar,’ which began assisting needy citizens with the disbursement of N1 million as part of its commitment to community welfare. Hon. Ashimi’s action marks a significant boost in the scheme’s capacity to serve the community.

In his statement, Chairman Ashimi reiterated his unflinching commitment to primary healthcare: _”Our administration recognises that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. By tripling this fund, we are strengthening the foundation laid by the past administration and demonstrating our unwavering dedication to the well-being of our people. Our partnership with the General Hospital and HURMA ensures that this support reaches those who truly need it, with absolute accountability.”

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He further encouraged the Medical Director, Dr. Mustapha Qadri to ensure regular orientation to the hospital staff to maintain soft approach when relating with the poor people in need of assistance and indeed who are the primary target of the fund donated by the Local Government. This is because there are records of complaints from members of the community.

HURMA Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak appreciate the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ashimi for maintaining the people’s conscious position as laid by his predecessor, Comrade Hon. Abdul-Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar’.

“Though the security and welfare of the people is the primary duty of government as enjoined in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution under Fundamental Objects and Directive Principle of State Policy, we must commend the Hon. Chairman for maintaining the people’s conscious policy as laid by his predecessor”.
Comrade Buna further advised the medical team to ensure judicious utilization of the fund and ensure operating with complete transparency and accountability.

“The form designed by the office of the Human Rights Monitors for the 3 offices of both Local Government Chairman; Somolu General Hospital and office of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda HURMA is to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We expect regular submission of the forms that contains information about those beneficiaries, to HURMA’s office for proper accountability.
“Any of those 3 offices can make the form available to anyone observed to be in need of medical assistance so as to ensure that no poor person would lack medical attention due to his or her financial status.

It should be recalled that Chairman Ashimi presented a new Ambulance to the Health Authority few weeks ago to improve mobility. He further clarified that the health fund was just one part of the Local Government’s support scheme and does not nullify the critical support needed by the six Primary Health Centres (PHCs), the proposed special healthcare for the homebound elderly, or the forthcoming Free Medical Care programmes.

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