LASG distributes “Ounje Eko” to 500,000 households

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Government on Wednesday began the distribution of Ounje Eko to 500,000 households.

In his address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the aim is to touch many households in the State.

He said “ The big one that we are here to launch is our attempt to touch directly about 500,000 households.In the last six weeks, we have gone ahead to package food stuff, edibles, sacks which will be distributing through the local government, CDA Unions, Religious bodies and all various stakeholders that we have and we will ensure it gets to the vulnerable in our society that is what we have demonstrate here today.

“The objective is for us to be able to ensure that food is not one of the issues that will continue to challenge the vulnerable in our society.That Government must be able to show up well to all of you and to be able to support you at this difficult times”.

Sanwo-olu at the launch also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving grains to all the 36 states in Nigeria.

“We need to also commend the intervention from the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for taking the leadership from the front row. He has been able to pass on grains to all the 36 States and today, we will also be distributing ours to all of you.

“You have also seen that Mr President did not fold his arms with his cabinet and just let us have a free flow of the issue of currency.Now, we have seen that there has been a rebound and we have seen that the currency is now getting strengthen and naira is becoming a currency that we can truly proud of now. Because it’s taking its proper pride of place.

“For now, we have now seen that all Garri and beans sellers are not increasing the price just because Dollar went up, because we have seen that the prices doesn’t have anything to do with Dollar, even diesel is coming down.

“So, we have no excuse or whatsoever again, now we need to be our brothers keepers, we need to go out here and let people know that this government has tried because we didn’t leave this to you alone and the big one which concern public servants and the people that are working is the issue of minimum wage that they said we should begin to work on.

“The Unions are here and we have all listened to ourselves and I know that by the Grace of God, very soon we will see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the federal and state government” Sanwo-olu noted.

Sanwo-olu said the Ministry of health is ready and would be running medical outreach in all the three senatorial districts in a total of six locations starting from next week.

According to Sanwo-olu, the outreach will be able to give medical attention to a lot of our citizens that t will not want to go to the regular hospitals and they will be treated free of charge.

He said medicine will be given and support counselling will also be given.

In his address, Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso said “Ounje Eko” is an integral part of “Eko Cares”, an initiative of the governor and that it has already kicked off across the State.

“For the sixth Sunday running, residents have continued to troop out to buy various items at the Sunday Markets where they enjoy an unprecedented 25percent discount on all food items.

“Basic foods such as rice, beans, garri, egg, bread, pepper, and tomatoes, among others, were sold at the markets by designated vendors.

“The feedback received from the programme has been inspiring, with excited residents praising the government for its empathy and thoughtfulness.

“Besides the Ounje Eko initiative, food items, which include 10kg rice, 5kg gari, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, amongst others, all in combo packs”, said Omotoso.