COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu unveils economic stimulus for residents, targets 200,000 households

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled an economic stimulus package for the indigent and the most vulnerable in the society .

This comes few days after a stay-at-home directive to residents in order to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The governor spoke on Friday after an on-the-spot assessment of one of the state’s owned food banks located inside the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture in Oko Oba, Agege.

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Sanwo-Olu said that the stimulus, which comes in food packs, would be distributed to every local government in the state as a way to cushion  the effect of the 14 days stay-at-home directive.

‘‘We are here for an on-the-spot assessment of our readiness, to see how we can fast track some of our stimulus packages for our citizens.

“We are all aware that this is a trying time for our citizens and since the partial drop in economic activities, our government deemed it necessary to reach out to the vulnerable ones in the society.

“These people are those that fall below the pyramid, the aged and the physically challenged, who need to move from one part of the city to another for them to have a living.

“We felt that as a government, the least we can do is to identify them and give them these stimulus packages immediately.

“The economic stimulus will reduce the burden of the temporary economic downturn on the citizens caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The  food packs which were put together by the ministry of agriculture will reach the most vulnerable communities and households across Lagos and the indigents who rely on daily wages would be given priority.’’

Sanwo-Olu said that the packages would be given to at least 200,000 households in the first phase adding that the food packs are produced for a size of six people per household and would last for at least 14 days.

“We have packaged dry food stimulus for about 200,000 families in the first instance for a household of husband, wife and about four children.

“We will be giving bags of rice, bags of beans, garri, bread, dry pepper and we are trying to see if we can add water and some elements of Vitamin C.

“Each ration, we believe is going to be able to last them at least minimum 14 days just so our advocacy around stay at home, stay with your loved ones will be respected.

‘’This is a catalytic initiative of our administration with the hope that well meaning corporate organisations and private individuals can step up to complement the efforts of the government,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

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The Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr Gbolahan Lawal earlier said the government would be working with the existing database of the state using the Lagos State Social register and 4000 community development associations’ register in 377 wards.

He said the economic stimulus was part of Gov.ernor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s initiatives tailored toward ensuring that food security was sustained in the state. (NAN)