Poverty Alleviation: Lagos Empowers Additional 152 Vulnerable Residents

The Lagos State government on Tuesday empowered an additional 152 vulnerable residents to alleviate poverty.

Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, the Special Adviser to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, disclosed this.

The programme tagged ‘Sanwo-Olu Listen’ is a social intervention mechanism to support the indigent within the State.

Tuesday’s programme was the second batch for 2025; the least amount paid was N400,000, while the highest was N1.5million.

In his address to the media shortly after the presentation of the cheques to beneficiaries, Dr Afolabi expressed satisfaction with the process, adding that the beneficiaries should make judicious use of the money.

Afolabi said, “In our usual way, we are putting smiles on the faces of Lagosians by giving cheques to beneficiaries to assist them.

“The Governor had promised during the campaign to put smiles on Lagosians’ faces; over 200 were given before Ileya, and today another 152 cheques to those suffering. It is a programme called Sanwo-Olu Smiles.

“Lagosians are facing various problems, so write to us. The prerequisites are to have your LASRAA, NIN, and passport photograph, but please make sure you put your phone number in case we need to call you.

“Then the Finance, where the money is released, and we issue the cheques. When you come, we will verify the applicant. It represents good governance, adding “We want to thank Mr Governor for assiduously approving our request and also thank the Deputy Governor for the support.”

Some beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen praised the state government for the initiative, saying it would greatly assist them in their businesses.

Alhaji Sunmonu Salau from Agege said, “This is the first time I am getting this benefit. We have been advised to use the money for what it is meant for.”