Apapa LG boss disburses ₦30m Palliative to 300 Residents, targets 4,000 beneficiaries

The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, on Friday distributed ₦30 million in cash support to 300 residents, each receiving ₦100,000, as part of a palliative programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship in the area.

The disbursement marked the first phase of the Apapa Constituency Residents’ Palliative Economic Generic Data (ACREPEGED) initiative, which was formally flagged off at the council secretariat.

Senbanjo explained that the programme was introduced to ensure that welfare support reached verified residents and workers within Apapa, after authorities discovered that some beneficiaries of previous interventions were not genuine residents of the local government.

“This programme became necessary because we discovered that many people who benefited from our welfare initiatives were not residents of Apapa. Some neither live nor work here and are not registered voters in the local government,” she said.

According to the council chairman, a registration system and identification cards had now been introduced to confirm the eligibility of beneficiaries.

“With the registration exercise that has been carried out, every participant will now receive an identification card. This ID card will enable us confirm that beneficiaries are authentic residents and people who live, work or do business in Apapa,” she said.

Senbanjo noted that the initiative was originally inspired by market women in the area who requested identification cards to streamline access to welfare programmes.

“The idea actually started with market women who requested that we give them identification cards. We then decided to extend the initiative to all registered voters and beneficiaries of our welfare programmes,” she added.

She disclosed that the programme would eventually reach 4,000 indigent residents, with the first batch of 300 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each, totalling ₦30 million.

“As part of the programme’s commencement today, 300 beneficiaries will receive ₦100,000 each as economic support. This is the first phase, and subsequently others will benefit until about 4,000 people are covered,” she said.

The chairman urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the funds.

“I congratulate those who will benefit today and subsequently. I advise them to use the money for the purpose of creating employment for themselves,” she said.

Senbanjo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms and development initiatives being implemented across the country.

She noted that the administration’s difficult decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, were aimed at redirecting resources toward national development and social support programmes.

According to her, interventions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across Lagos State continue to improve the welfare of residents and align with the broader development agenda of the federal government.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, representing Lagos Central in the Senate, described the initiative as a reflection of the Renewed Hope agenda aimed at improving the living standards of Nigerians.

“This initiative reflects the spirit of renewed hope for improved living standards and speaks directly to the aspirations of our citizens, particularly those who work tirelessly every day yet remain vulnerable to economic pressures,” the senator said.

He noted that the programme demonstrates the importance of compassionate governance and shared responsibility.

“By extending support to over 4,000 residents and workers in Apapa, this programme reinforces the values of compassion, inclusion and shared responsibility that must guide governance at all levels,” Sanni stated.

According to him, the intervention goes beyond financial assistance and signals government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

“Today’s gesture is not merely about financial assistance. It is a clear affirmation that government sees you, hears you and cares about your well-being,” he said.

Sanni also urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

“I encourage you to make the best use of this support. Let it serve as a stepping stone towards greater stability, productivity and opportunities for you and your families,” he said.

The senator commended the Apapa council leadership for initiating the programme and also highlighted ongoing infrastructure interventions in the area.

He noted that the council chairman had embarked on several projects, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights and the rehabilitation of Point Road.

“I personally visited the site, and while the road is functional, it requires expansion and additional infrastructure improvements, including drainage coverage in some surrounding areas,” he said.

Sanni assured residents that relevant agencies would continue to work with the council to deliver more development projects.

“Together, we will continue to pursue initiatives that bring sustainable development and improved living conditions to the people of Apapa,” he added.