Removal of subsidies: Sanwo-Olu introduces the Eko Cares program for 500,000 households

By Akoni Olasunkanmi

The “Eko Cares” Initiative, a social intervention program designed to reduce the burden on citizens amid economic hardship, has been launched by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The recipients are distributed among the state’s 37 Local Council Development Areas, or LCDAs, and 20 Local Government Areas.

The event was held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by a number of notable people, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Femi Hamzat; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; the Head of Service, Bode Agoro; members of the State Executive Council; the Body of Permanent Secretaries; Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC; religious organizations; traditional rulers; and Community Development Associations, or CDA

Some of the foodstuffs to be distributed to vulnerable people include 10kg rice, 5kg garri, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, among others, to over 500,000 households

In order to spearhead the efforts, the governor established a nonpartisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council comprising notable Nigerians, such as religious authorities, youth advocates, opposition party leaders, and human rights advocates. The council was presided over by the governor, with deputy governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat serving as an alternate chairman.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Gbenga Omotoso spoke at the event and called it another significant moment in the life of the Sanwo-Olu government.

In order to spearhead the efforts, the governor established a nonpartisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council comprising notable Nigerians, such as religious authorities, youth advocates, opposition party leaders, and human rights advocates. The council was presided over by the governor, with deputy governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat serving as an alternate chairman.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Gbenga Omotoso spoke at the event and called it another significant moment in the life of the Sanwo-Olu government.

“He has distinguished himself as a leader whose word is his bond. It is, thus, not surprising that “Mr. Talk and Do” is fulfilling the promise that he made during the media chat on February 22—to unveil a comprehensive package of socio-economic interventions to reduce the current hardship in the land.

“This gathering is a continuation of the government’s bold efforts to lighten the burden on residents, especially the most vulnerable among us—the poorest of the poor—those who do not know where the next meal will come from.

“Eko Cares,” which is being unveiled today, is an aggregate of all the measures designed to ease the pain of our vulnerable citizens, who have no one else to turn to for succour.

“Ounje Eko”, an integral part of “Eko Cares”, 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 25% discount on all food items

“Basic foods such as rice, beans, garri, eggs, 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 garri, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, among others, all in combo packs, will be distributed to over 500,000 households. 

“EKO CARES is being supervised by the Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC), an eleven-man, non-partisan body set up to advise the government on the various initiatives lined up to help the poor weather the storm.

“This administration has touched the lives of every resident who requires public transportation, seeks medical care, works in the public service, and feeds from the agricultural food items sold in Lagos State

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