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By Lukman Olabiyi
More than 4,000 Lagos residents have so far benefited from the ‘Sanwo-Olu Listens, Eko Cares’ financial aid initiative, with disbursements totalling N1.6 billion this year alone.
The latest batch of support was issued at the Alausa Secretariat, where 517 beneficiaries received cheques to help cushion various financial pressures.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, said the intervention was designed to assist residents in stabilising their businesses, paying medical bills, settling school fees and addressing other essential needs.
According to him, the selection process was devoid of political, ethnic or religious considerations.
“This financial aid is not for the APC members. We don’t know the beneficiaries before calling them. The only requirement is to submit an application stating the purpose of the request, reside in Lagos and provide Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and National Identity Number (NIN) cards, as well as a phone number.
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We don’t discriminate.”
Afolabi noted that beneficiaries receive varying amounts, ranging between N300,000 and N1.5 million, depending on their individual needs.
He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to alleviating the hardship faced by residents, particularly the most vulnerable. “This is part of the responsibilities given to us by the governor to put smiles on the faces of the people under the ‘Eko Cares, Sanwo-Olu Listens’ platform. This year alone, we have issued cheques to 4,177 beneficiaries and over 1,000 more are awaiting disbursement.”
The Special Adviser urged recipients to spend the funds prudently and channel them into the purposes stated in their applications.
Among those who received support on Friday were petty traders, fashion designers, content creators, persons living with disabilities and residents seeking assistance for rent, hospital bills and school fees.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, describing the initiative as timely and promising to use the funds to improve their livelihoods.
