Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday disbursed ?460 million cheques to 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians under the Financial Assistance Programme Initiative, tagged: Eko Cares.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the programme, at an event which took place at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi Road, Ikeja, and organized by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPLandCE), noting that the Eko Cares initiative reaffirmed the true essence of governance, which was to provide comfort, hope, and opportunities for those who needed them the most.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said that the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries was not just a ceremony, but a celebration of compassion and the state’s shared humanity.
According to him, it serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply people care for one another, saying that through initiatives like this, the social contract as well a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion between the government and its citizens is strengthened.
‘This presentation of cheques to over 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of compassion and our shared humanity. It serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply we care for one another.
‘Through initiatives like this, we strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens, a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion,’ the governor said.
The governor reiterated that his administration ‘will keep working towards a Lagos where compassion shapes policies, where hard work meets opportunity, and where no citizen is left behind,’ adding that the disbursement was not the first time exercise by his administration and won’t be the last.
He further assured that more beneficiaries would receive their cheques before the end of the year, saying that his administration would continue to support those who needed it the most.
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the initiative was making a real difference in the lives of thousands across the state, noting that the initiative was to help residents tackle economic hurdles, foster inclusion and stability, and bring back hope and dignity.
According to him, the initiative, as the state government continues its fight against poverty, exemplifies what it means to have responsive and compassionate leadership, along with inclusive governance, further assuring that his administration was deeply in tune with the needs of its residents and, therefore, the reason it had been rolling out a variety of social intervention programmes that truly bring relief to families and communities across Lagos.
‘In 2024 alone, we distributed ?1.1 billion to 2,477 residents throughout the state. For this year, we have set aside ?1.6 billion to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries, and these programs are still running, with even more residents ready to receive support. This is our ongoing commitment to making social intervention inclusive and impactful,’ the governor said.
He, however, admonished the beneficiaries to see the government support beyond just financial aid, saying that it was a seed of hope, and should be used wisely for their betterment.
‘Let it ignite your next breakthrough, bolster your business, or bring peace to your home. The government can open doors, but it is your determination that keeps them wide open,’ he said.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, noted that the initiative embodies a deeper commitment of the Lagos State government to compassion, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that every resident had a fair chance to thrive.
Afolabi said that the Eko Listens Financial Assistance Programme had, since its inception in 2020, served as a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable Lagosians, reaffirming that the state government was committed to the enduring social contract that no resident would be left behind in the journey of Lagos State’s development.
The governor’s aide, while highlighting different citizen-centric initiatives embarked on by the Office, which include Civic Education and Sensitization Programme in schools, the CitizensGate Mobile App, among others, noted that the initiatives stood as a testament to the present administration’s commitment to listen with intent, respond with compassion, and act with purpose, adding that such approach exemplified a government that meets its people at the point of their needs.