Lagos State government on Wednesday revealed that at least N2.7 billion has so far been disbursed to over 10,000 vulnerable households in the state under the social interventions, tagged EKO Cares and EKO Listens initiatives of the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led administration.
The initiatives aimed at providing various financial support to assist in uplifting vulnerable residents in healthcare, housing, education, and small business development, irrespective of ethnic, sex, or party affiliations.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this at the presentation of cheques to 1,000 beneficiaries of the state government’s financial assistance programme, tagged: “Eko Listen,” organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, held at LTV Premises, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to poverty reduction and creating opportunities for every Lagos resident to thrive despite prevailing economic challenges.
Sanwo-Olu, whose Deputy, Dr Femi Hamzat, represented, noted that the government gesture reaffirmed the true essence of governance: providing comfort, hope, and opportunities for those who need them the most.
“Today, we are disbursing a total of 460 million, and this is not the first time this year, nor will it be the last. As we move toward the end of the year, more beneficiaries will receive their cheques, and we will keep extending our support to those who need it the most.
“So far, EKO Cares has made a real difference in the lives of over 8,100 individuals, while EKO Listens has lent a helping hand to more than 8,690 beneficiaries. In 2024 alone, we distributed ₦1.1 billion to 2,477 residents throughout the state.
“For this year, we have set aside ₦1.6 billion to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries — and these programs are still running, with even more residents ready to receive support. This is our ongoing commitment to making social intervention inclusive and impactful.’’
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, described the event as a tangible expression of the inclusive governance principles embedded in the present administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
He says, “Beyond direct financial relief, this initiative embodies a more profound commitment to compassion, equity, and empowerment, ensuring every resident has a fair chance to thrive.
“The beneficiaries of today’s financial assistance were meticulously selected from a pool of approximately 5,000 applicants received this year, spanning all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.’’
