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By Christopher Oji
Activities marking the 100 days in office of the Chairman of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Saliu, has climaxed with the distribution of assorted foodstuffs and cash to 13,000 indigent residents.
Tagged “Ounje Olugbani and Owo Irorun Cash Support Initiative’, the gesture was extended ato all tribes, religious, youth organizations, artisans, community leaders and the physically challenged. The exercise took place simultaneously at two centres each in the seven wards of the LCDA.
Jimoh Olawale Saliu emphasised that the gesture was aimed at reducing the economic hardship being experienced by residents during the festive season. He stressed that the initiative is in fulfillment of his campaign promises and part of his administration’s shift in focus from infrastructure projects to human-centred programmes.
The council helmsman said that each beneficial household received N5,000, along with food items, noting that the package was designed to enable families meet basic food needs during the holidays.
Jimoh disclosed that 10,000 households would benefit immediately, while an additional 3,000 households would receive supplementary packages consisting of food items only.
He added that the distribution was being carried out through ward leaders, community development associations and councillors to ensure the palliatives reach genuine residents.
According to him, enumeration and house-to-house counts were conducted to prevent diversion and to ensure the items do not end up in unintended hands.
Saliu noted that during his first 100 days in office, the council focused largely on infrastructure projects such as road openings and provision of buses, but the current phase would prioritise what he described as “stomach and health infrastructure.”
He further stated that the council had trained over 1,000 youths in various vocational skills, and would in January, provide equipment to those who demonstrated competence in their trades as part of broader empowerment efforts.
The council boss assured that the programme would be expanded in subsequent editions as resources improved.
“This is the first edition, and by the next edition we pray there will be more. We plan to continue this during major festive periods such as Ramadan, Easter and Salah.
“This initiative is part of my agenda. I have been saving for it since my first day in office. We are also saving for roads and other programmes because an angry man is a hungry man,” he said, calling on residents to continue to support his administration.
A beneficiary, Victor Joshua expressed appreciation for the initiative. He stated that the Chairman has been performing excellently since he assumed office.
“In fact, I’m very happy. I’m amazed at what I see today. The chairman is really performing well.This support will really help many families that are struggling to survive at this period .”
