Sanwo-Olu Flags Off Eko Cares Initiative, Distributes 500,000 Foodstuffs For Vulnerable Households

…Warns LG Against Hoarding Palliatives

Governor of Lagos Stae, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, flagged off the Eko Cares Initiative as part of his administration’s commitment to reducing the pains occasioned by the economic crisis on Lagos residents.

Sanwo-Olu while emphasising on his administration’s goals for the State said he had fulfilled his promise to stand by the vulnerable ones amid the global economic hardship.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative held at the State House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said 500,000 households would benefit from the comprehensive response.

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the food items are to be distributed to the vulnerable Lagosians through religious leaders, Community Development Associations, Trade Unions and grassroots organisations, adding that for whatever reason, the foodstuffs are not be hoarded.

He said, “We have fulfilled the promises we made during the Media Chat in February – that we will not leave the vulnerable among us on their own – in health, transportation and education.

“We created 59 markets and turned them into Sunday markets. We promised that we will be selling food at 25% discount. That we have kept faith with. The medical outreach will start next week at the latest to give medical attention to a lot of our citizens who may not want to go to our hospitals.

“Today we will be launching an attempt to reach 500,000 households.  All we have done is a tip of the iceberg. Now the real deal is about to start.

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“Please ensure that it gets to the vulnerable. Do not hoard it, let it serve the purpose for which it was created.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who praised President Tinubu’s economic measures also urged citizens to play their own part in putting smiles in faces of Nigerians.

He said, “You can see that the tides are turning. That is why we must commend the intervention of the President, who has been leading from the front.  He has been able to pass on grains to all the 36 states. We will be distributing ours to all of you. You can also see that Mr President has not sat back to fold his arms… to let us have a free flow of the issues that started this thing, which was the currency.

“Now we should ensure that all gari sellers, all beans sellers are not increasing prices just because dollar went up. Prices don’t have anything to do with dollar. Even diesel is coming down. We have no excuse again. We need to be our brother’s keeper”.

Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso commended his administration for the initiative stressing that ‘Eko Cares’ for the vulnerable ones has touched the lives of every Lagosian.