The Lagos State Government has disbursed a staggering N2.461 billion under the Sanwo-Olu Listens Financial Assistance Programme, providing critical lifelines to 8,690 vulnerable residents.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen made this disclosure on Wednesday during the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
He noted that the initiative covers medical, rent, education, and business support, with a further N1.6 billion earmarked for ongoing and incoming interventions.
“The programme demonstrates the governor’s unwavering commitment to building a compassionate government,” said Tajudeen.
“The N2.461 billion already disbursed has directly improved the lives of thousands, and with N1.6 billion in the pipeline, we are not slowing down,” he added.
Launched to reflect the administration’s responsive governance ethos, he explained that the programme targeted those most in need, including indigent residents, low-income earners, and struggling micro-business owners.
“Whether it is a market woman battling rent issues or a sick father in need of urgent medical attention, this intervention stands as a buffer between poverty and survival,” he stated.
Tajudeen also highlighted other multi-sectoral initiatives under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, notably: Eko Cares launched in 2020.
He said the empowerment initiative has supported 6,000 micro-enterprises with direct cash injections and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) partnerships under the banner ‘Go Forward, Grow Lagos’.
“Eko Cares reflects the governor’s belief that small businesses are the heartbeat of Lagos’ economy,” Tajudeen explained.
On the Snacks for Thought: School Feeding Programme, the special adviser disclosed that the programme has reached 11,965 pupils in 33 public primary schools, providing fortified snacks to promote early learning and school attendance.
“This is not just about food. It’s about nourishment that drives cognitive development and keeps children in classrooms,” he stated.
On the Palliative Food Distribution, he said the government distributed 2,000 food packages—comprising rice, beans, and garri—to vulnerable groups in Alausa Ikeja and Koga-Zebbe, Badagry.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu cares. He listens. He acts,” Tajudeen said pointedly.
Tajudeen also outlined advancements in civic-tech platforms, especially the CitizensGate Mobile App, which now boasts over 428,000 users and is integrated with 100+ MDAs.
“CitizensGate 2.0 is a game-changer,” he declared.
“It allows Lagosians to speak directly to their government—via mobile, WhatsApp, and even in multiple languages including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and French,” he added.
On Conflict Resolution and Legislative Collaboration, the special adviser stated that through its quarterly civic mediation forum, the state had successfully resolved over 370 petitions, ranging from tenancy issues to land disputes.
He also revealed that 257 plenary sessions of the Lagos State House of Assembly had been tracked under an open governance interface to ensure transparency and real-time collaboration between the executive and legislature.
Tajudeen added that all of these interventions were tied to Sanwo-Olu’s inclusive governance agenda, rooted in listening, responding, and empowering.
“No one is left behind. Whether through digital platforms, food relief, civic education or direct cash support—this administration is putting empathy into action,” he affirmed.
