Lagos State government said it spent over N700 million to assist 2,344 vulnerable residents across the state in 2024.
The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, who revealed this during a Strategic Breakfast Media Chat held in Lagos, stated that the funds were disbursed to address health needs, accommodation challenges, business support, and school fees for the beneficiaries.
He explained that the initiative was part of the government’s “Sanwo-Olu Listens” programme, designed to alleviate the burdens of vulnerable residents.
“It is a comprehensive and impactful social welfare programme launched by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Its core aim is to directly address the financial and social challenges faced by the most vulnerable residents within the state, offering them much-needed financial support during difficult times,” he said.
“In the context of the ongoing economic difficulties many Nigerians face, the programme has continued to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for those in need. Those that have benefitted from the programme include the elderly, low-income earners, persons living with disabilities, indigent students, small-scale business owners, the downtrodden, etc,” Tajudeen added.
He highlighted the programme’s alignment with the THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises social inclusion and resilience in governance.
Tajudeen also used the platform to showcase other achievements of his office, including the Lagos CitizensGate mobile application.He said the app promotes transparency and grassroots participation, allowing Lagosians to address complaints, make enquiries, and engage with the government through digital communication.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Kadri Hamzat, called for a shift in public discourse towards issues that promote development and address pressing challenges.
Hamzat underscored the need for improved dissemination of the state government’s achievements and initiatives through the media.
“It is important to have this kind of meeting. Many things that we do in Lagos State seem not to be well disseminated,” Hamzat said.
He lamented that discussions often veered away from critical matters, emphasising the need to focus on developmental issues to move the state forward.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure efforts, Hamzat revealed that Lagos currently has 198 road projects underway.
“We are doing various roads. What exactly does it, then, mean? Seven million Lagosians visited our general hospitals last year to receive treatment. What are the issues? The challenge is that things must change,” he stated.
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