Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has spent over ₦700 million to support 2,344 vulnerable residents across the state in 2024, according to Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement.
This initiative is part of the government’s “Sanwo-Olu Listens” programme, aimed at alleviating the burdens of vulnerable residents.
The funds were disbursed to address health needs, accommodation challenges, business support, and school fees for the beneficiaries.
Those who have benefited from the programme include the elderly, low-income earners, persons living with disabilities, indigent students, small-scale business owners, and the downtrodden.
Tajudeen highlighted the programme’s alignment with the THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes social inclusion and resilience in governance.
He also showcased other achievements of his office, including the Lagos CitizensGate mobile application, which promotes transparency and grassroots participation.
Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat emphasized the need for improved dissemination of the state government’s achievements and initiatives through the media.
He noted that discussions often veer away from critical matters and urged media professionals to prioritize issues that promote development and address pressing challenges.
Hamzat also drew attention to three major existential threats facing Lagos: rising water levels, extreme rainfall, and heat.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s vision to build a trillion-dollar economy, describing it as the path to lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
“When Tinubu said his administration was to build a trillion-dollar economy, that is the way to go.
“What is the problem? As a people, we must do something different,” he said, noting that Lagos should aim for innovative solutions to achieve this goal
The Lagos State Government has set aside N50 billion for social protection in the 2024 budget to further cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on citizens.
The government has also made significant strides in governance through initiatives like the Lagos Citizen Gate 2.0 platform.
Tajudeen reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting residents amid economic challenges.
“The government will not relent in its effort to bring relief to residents of Lagos and maintain peaceful and harmonious working relationships with all stakeholders,” he said.
