IBRAHIM QUADRI
As part of measures to alleviate poverty, the Lagos State Government on Tuesday empowered additional 152 vulnerable residents in the State.
This was disclosed by Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement.
The programme tagged ‘Sanwo-Olu Listen’ is a social intervention mechanism to support the indigent within the State.
Tuesday’s programme was the second batch for the year 2025 where the least amount paid was N400,000 while the highest was N1.5million.
In his address to the media shortly after the presentation of the cheques to beneficiaries, Dr Afolabi expressed satisfaction with the process, adding that the beneficiaries should make judicious use of the money.
Afolabi said, “In our usual way, we are putting smiles on the faces of Lagosians by giving cheques to beneficiaries to assist them.
“The Governor had promised during the campaign to put smiles on the faces of Lagosians, over 200 were given before Ileya and today another 152 cheques to those who are suffering. It is a programme called, Sanwo-Olu smiles.
“There are various problems Lagosians are facing, so write to us, the prerequisites are to have your LASRAA, NIN and passport photograph well attached but make sure you put your phone number in case we need to call you.
“The processes are two: it goes through documentation where we cross the t’s and dot the i’s and go through procurement process for approval of the list by Mr Governor.
“Then the Finance, where the money is released and we issue the cheques. When you come, we do verification to ascertain that the applicant is truly the person.
It is a representation of good governance, adding “We want to thank Mr Governor for assiduously approving our request and also thank the Deputy Governor over the support.”
While advising the beneficiaries, he noted, “As you are given this money, use it judiciously, to the benefit of yourself and your family.
Nobody knows everybody here, if per adventure I had seen you, it would have been when you came to submit your application.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen praised the State Government for the initiative, saying it would go a long way to assist them in their businesses.
Alhaji Sunmonu Salau from Agege said, “this is the first time I’m getting this benefit. We have been advised to use the money for what it is meant for.”
Also Lukman Adaranijo who is from Agege said, “It is a booster for me. I thank the Governor for supporting us. I also appreciate the Speaker because he has been working hard with the Governor.”
Bukola Idowu said, “we got to know through the Speaker especially those of us who are politicians.”
Cynthia Edward from Apapa stated that she got to know about the programme through a friend. She maintained that the money would be added to boost her business.
Johnson Olusegun from Agbado/Oke-Odo said, “It is amazing. It is a plus to the state government. We will continue to pray for our Governor.”
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