Lagos govt disburses N1.6bn to over 4,000 residents under Sanwo-Olu Cares initiative
By Adeola Ogunrinde –
More than 4,000 Lagosians have received cheques worth N1.6 billion this year under the Sanwo-Olu Listen, Sanwo-Olu Cares initiative to help address their financial challenges.
On Friday, 517 beneficiaries received cheques at the Alausa Secretariat. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, said the aid is intended to support residents in improving their businesses, paying medical bills, and settling school fees. Various amounts ranging from N300,000 to N1.5 million are being distributed.
Dr. Afolabi emphasised that beneficiaries were selected without regard to political affiliation, tribe, or religion. “This financial aid is not for APC members. We don’t know the beneficiaries before calling them. They only need to submit an application stating the purpose, provide their Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) and NIN cards, and their phone numbers. We do not discriminate,” he said.
He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about alleviating the suffering of residents through financial assistance. “This office is committed to putting smiles on the faces of people under the Eko Care, Sanwo-Olu Listens programme. Today, we distributed 517 cheques for house rent, trading, health challenges, and support for physically challenged individuals,” Afolabi said.
According to him, a total of 4,177 beneficiaries have received financial intervention this year, with over 1,000 cheques still awaiting disbursement.
The special adviser urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and avoid frivolous spending. “This money is meant to meet basic needs and assist small-scale businesses. It will not solve all problems but should be used for its intended purposes,” he advised.
Among the beneficiaries were petty traders, fashion designers, and content creators. They expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government, noting that the financial aid would help boost their businesses and meet pressing personal needs.
Many promised to make judicious use of the funds, applying them to business expansion, school fees, rent, and healthcare expenses, reflecting the programme’s aim of supporting the most vulnerable residents.
