The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will today (Monday) launch a comprehensive package of interventions tagged EKO CARES.
A statement on Sunday by the state government said the initiative was aimed at further alleviating the economic hardship faced by Lagosians.
The initiative, which aims to provide relief in transportation, education, health, and agriculture, is designed to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living, the statement said.
“To drive the initiative, Sanwo-Olu has set up a non-partisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council comprising eminent Nigerians.
“The governor chairs the council, with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as alternate Chairman. The council also includes rights activists, religious leaders, a youth representative, and opposition party chieftains as members”, the statement said.
The PUNCH reports that the governor had earlier in February announced various forms of palliative packages to ease the economic hardship of residents.
Sanwo-Olu announced a 50 per cent cut in fares on all government transport platforms on 8 February 2023.
“After a review of the situation, the fare slash was reduced to 25 per cent.
“For six weeks, the Ounje Eko Sunday market that signalled the reduction of food by 25 per cent has been running. Civil servants from levels one to 14 were asked to work thrice a week. A N35,000 wage award was also given to all civil servants.
“About 15,000 women from all the 20 local governments and 35 Local Council Development Areas got N50,000 each to support their businesses. Besides, Mr. Sanwo-Olu announced free delivery for expectant women in all government hospitals, among other initiatives”, the statement added.
