Ola Akinwunmi
The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N2.46 billion in financial assistance to 8,690 vulnerable residents under the “Sanwo-Olu Listens” initiative — a flagship social intervention programme aimed at easing the burdens of the state’s most disadvantaged.
The announcement was made by Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Thursday in Ikeja, as part of events marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
“It is a well-known fact that vulnerable citizens face numerous challenges — from high medical bills to difficulties in paying rent, providing education for their children, and sustaining small businesses,” Afolabi said.
He explained that the Sanwo-Olu Listens Financial Assistance Programme, launched in 2020, was a direct response to these economic pressures, offering targeted cash relief while also promoting inclusivity and long-term empowerment.
The programme, he noted, “is not just about money — it’s a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind.”
Afolabi also revealed that the government plans to disburse an additional N1.6 billion in the next two weeks to about 1,000 beneficiaries as part of a Sallah palliative package, meant to cushion the financial strain often felt by low-income households during festive periods.
Beyond direct cash transfers, the administration is expanding support through various initiatives under the broader Eko Cares umbrella. According to Afolabi, over 6,000 small-scale entrepreneurs have been empowered to generate sustainable income, and N400 million was allocated last year to support mothers, infants, and child nutrition programmes — reaching 6,280 families.
Education and student welfare are also on the agenda. The Snacks for Thought programme, launched to boost nutrition and learning in public schools, has already served 11,965 pupils with balanced meals.
On public participation, Afolabi highlighted that over 400,000 feedback entries were received via the Citizens Gate digital platform over the past year. These, he said, helped improve government responsiveness and policy inclusiveness.
“The numbers tell a story,” Afolabi said. “They reflect a government that listens, that acts, and that is committed to lifting people out of hardship.”
The Sanwo-Olu administration has repeatedly emphasized its vision for inclusive growth and poverty reduction, positioning its social programmes as key drivers of both economic stability and human dignity in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
