…as Intervention Plans to Alleviate Economic Crisis

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will today flag off the various interventions deployed to lessen the burden of Lagosians amid the economic hardship.

A statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, noted that the interventions in transportation, education, health and agriculture were coming under the umbrella of EKO CARES.

The statement said details of other interventions would be unveiled on Wednesday at a ceremony, which would take place at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja.

The fuel subsidy removal announced by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, sparked a rise in the cost of living leading many Nigerians into economic hardship.

The development also led to protests in some states by labour leaders and several Nigerians.

Giving an update on the steps taken by the Lagos State government to ameliorate the hardship, the statement noted that Sanwo-Olu announced a 50% cut in fares on all government transport platforms on February 8, 2023.

“After a review of the situation, the fare slash was reduced to 25%. For six weeks, the Ounje Eko Sunday market which signalled the reduction of food by 25% 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 said.

It added that to drive the initiatives, the governor set up a non-partisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council chaired by the governor; and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the alternate Chairman.