AS part of measures to cushion the effect of the economic hardship being felt by Lagosians, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has recently announced a 25 per cent reduction on fares for government-owned transport schemes within the State.
According to media reports, the Governor made this known during a Live Media Chat with the title, “Enhancing Food Security”, noting that the decision is borne out of the need to reduce the burden and take off some of the pressure Lagosians are facing at the moment.
Sanwo-Olu said, “First, it is necessary to express one’s deepest sympathy with our citizens. To say one does not know what is going on now will be completely insensitive. And I want to look straight into the camera and say, indeed, we all have a responsibility to do a better job of ourselves. As leaders, it is not for us to give excuses but to solve the socio-economic problems of our people”.
While revealing that his Government is ready to give people food palliatives, the Governor said 100 trailers of rice are on their way to Lagos at the moment, and the food packaging and distribution is expected to get to over 300,000 households within the State
The Governor said that the palliatives that his administration is bringing will cut across both the private and public sectors, and the first one after the 25% reduction in transport cost will be the introduction of Soup Kitchens across all 57 Local Governments and LCDAs that will feed at least 1,000 to 1,500 residents in each of the LGs.
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that his administration is organising and planning towards opening 42 Sunday Markets where people can go and buy foodstuff at a 25% rebate, stressing, however, that what the people can buy will be capped at #25,000 each. He added that the pilot phase has already started in the Idi Oro market, with the Lagos State Government working with the Local Governments and leaders of the markets towards a successful takeoff.
While announcing that his administration is setting up an economic advisory team to serve as his Think Tank, the Governor said that henceforth, all Government hospitals will give free birth delivery, whether normal birth or through a caesarean operation.
Bearing in mind that there are Lagosians whose needs are quality healthcare and not food, the Governor disclosed that the State’s free Health Mission is about to kick off, and Lagosians would be given a total medical check-up, as well as drugs by competent medical professionals, who will set up tents across the six divisions of the State.
