Governor Sanwo-Olu empowers 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians with ₦460 million distribution

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has empowered 1,000 vulnerable residents with ₦460 million in financial assistance, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of disadvantaged groups across the state.

The initiative, which provides targeted support in areas such as healthcare, housing, education, and small business development, aims to cushion economic hardship and promote social inclusion among low-income earners.

Speaking on Wednesday at the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the Eko Cares and Eko Listens programmes, organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement at the Blue Roof, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu—represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—reiterated his government’s resolve to continue supporting those who need it most.

According to the Governor, the Eko Cares and Eko Listens initiatives have positively impacted thousands of lives across Lagos. “Eko Cares has made a real difference in the lives of more than 8,100 individuals, while Eko Listens has reached over 8,690 beneficiaries,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that in 2024 alone, the state government disbursed ₦1.1 billion to 2,477 residents, while ₦1.6 billion has been earmarked this year to support an additional 2,850 beneficiaries. “Today, we are disbursing ₦460 million, and this will not be the last before the year ends. More Lagosians will receive support in the coming months,” he assured.

The Governor emphasised that the initiative embodies his administration’s vision of a compassionate government that meets citizens’ needs with empathy and purposeful action. He noted that behind every household lies a story of dreams and struggles, and the government must ensure that such challenges do not define the future of its people.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, commended Sanwo-Olu’s consistent drive to improve the welfare of Lagosians. He said the state recently distributed palliative food items to over 2,000 vulnerable residents, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Dr. Tajudeen explained that beneficiaries of the current disbursement were carefully selected from over 5,000 applicants across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, with women accounting for about 46 percent of the recipients. He added that the Office has also embarked on extensive public sensitisation campaigns, distributed educational materials to schools, and held quarterly interactive sessions with communities.