Determined to ease the pain of economic hardship on residents, the Lagos State Government has rolled out more programmes such as Eko Cares and Ounje Eko, notably distributing food to 500,000 households. Sunday markets also offer discounted staple foods, alleviating burdens and providing much-needed support at a time when responsive governance is badly needed. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports that these measures underscore the administration’s focus on residents’ well-being.
Once again, Lagos State has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to prioritising the well-being of its residents. Last week, in a proactive response to the pervasive economic challenges gripping Nigerians, Lagos State launched a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at cushioning the excruciating effects of hardship on its residents.
Announcing the new initiatives, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the new initiatives, Eko Cares and Ounje Eko, among several others, signify a concerted effort to provide vital relief and support to Lagosians during these challenging times. The state government explained that newly unveiled Eko Cares is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing vital support to 500,000 households in the first phase. Through this initiative, vulnerable individuals and families will receive essential foodstuffs, including 10kg rice, 5kg garri, 5kg beans, and tomatoes, among other items.
“We are out here today again to assure that we are in government to make life better for you, to provide succour that is required, security of lives and property and to be an activator so that you can leave a decent life. That is what we have promised you and again today. And for anything in life, we both have roles to play and duties to partake. So as we are doing ours, we expect you to do your as citizens by ensuring that all of the things that we say we don’t want in our environment, let us shy away from it,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
To ensure the success of Eko Cares, Governor Sanwo-Olu has established a non-partisan 11-man Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC). This committee comprises a diverse array of members, including rights activists, religious leaders, a youth representative, and politicians, including opposition chieftains. Chaired by the Governor himself, with Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat serving as the alternate chairman, SPEDAC is tasked with overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of the initiative.
One of the integral components of Eko Cares is Ounje Eko, a scheme that aims to provide affordable food options to residents. Every Sunday, designated markets offer a wide array of food items at discounted prices, allowing families to stretch their budgets further. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger needs but also fosters a sense of community resilience as neighbors come together to support one another. Ounje Eko, an integral part of the Eko Cares initiative, has been up and running for the sixth consecutive week. Lagosians have continued to commend Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for the innovative programme, describing it as a product of sound thinking and an embodiment of responsive governance.
The Sunday food markets, operating exclusively from 11 am to 4 pm across 57 locations in the state, commenced their pilot phase on Sunday, March 17th. Residents turned out in significant numbers to these markets, with 27 locations in Ikeja, 6 in Lagos Island, 9 in Ikorodu, 5 in Epe, and 10 in Badagry divisions facilitating transactions simultaneously. These markets offer residents the opportunity to purchase essential food items at discounted rates, with the government subsidizing 25% of the cost while buyers contribute 75%. Staple foods such as rice, beans, garri, eggs, bread, pepper, and tomatoes are among the commodities available at these markets, sold by designated vendors.
To ensure a seamless, equitable, and beneficial market experience for Lagosians, several measures have been implemented. Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been carefully selected and vetted to oversee the process, guarding against potential abuses such as bulk purchases for resale at inflated prices. These precautions are in place to safeguard the integrity of the market and ensure that its benefits reach those who need them most. And to prevent reselling and double-buying, and to ensure equitable distribution of goods, certain measures have been implemented at the Sunday food markets. Children accompanying their parents are prohibited from making purchases, while priority is given to the elderly, expectant women, and individuals living with disabilities. Transactions at these markets are conducted exclusively through Cowry and ATM cards, with cash payments being prohibited. Each family is permitted to purchase goods worth up to 25 thousand naira, a quantity deemed sufficient for a family of five. This restriction helps prevent hoarding and ensures that a larger number of families can benefit from the discounted prices.
Initially, customers encountered challenges with outdated payment systems due to the cashless policy mandated as part of the discount market initiative. However, the adoption of modern payment options has significantly improved the payment experience for buyers across all locations. Embracing contemporary payment solutions allows customers to seamlessly pay for goods by logging into their Mobile Banking Apps, accessing the NQR menu, and scanning QR codes provided at the payment points to complete transactions. This eliminates the need for physical cash and reduces reliance on a limited number of POS terminals. The implementation of modern payment options at the Sunday food markets serves as a prime example of how innovative payment solutions are revolutionizing transactions and enhancing customer experiences. By embracing technology, the initiative not only ensures fair and efficient transactions but also sets a precedent for future advancements in payment systems across various sectors.
To further facilitate transactions and ensure inclusivity, a LASRRA ID card is also required at the Sunday food markets. However, provisions have been made at the locations for the registration of residents without a LASRRA ID card, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that a larger number of residents can benefit from the programme. In a bid to promote transparency, the prices of food items have been listed and made available through various media outlets. According to a release by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, “A 5kg bag of rice is sold for N5,325, while a 1kg bag goes for N1,065; a 5kg bag of beans is sold for N6,225 while a 1kg bag is sold for N1,245.”
To maintain order and security at the markets, men and officers of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are strategically stationed at the food markets. Their presence ensures a flawless process and instills confidence in both buyers and sellers. Despite the large turnout of residents, Governor Sanwo-Olu has commended the smooth conduct at the Sunday markets. He expressed his elation at the reports of calmness and orderliness, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to stand by Lagosians during these challenging times. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized, “It is all about assuring Lagosians that our administration will continue to stand by them. We will continue to find and deploy creative ways of easing their burden.”
According to the state government, the feedback received thus far from the programme has been profoundly inspiring, with residents expressing deep appreciation for the government’s efforts. As part of its comprehensive socio-economic intervention, the Lagos State government has implemented measures to enhance the working conditions of public servants. Governor Sanwo-Olu announced during his recent media chat that civil servants from Grade Level 1 to 14 will now work from the office a maximum of three times a week, while those on levels 15 to 17 will work four times weekly. This flexible working arrangement has not only reduced pressure on the roads but has also alleviated economic tension among workers.
Furthermore, the government is actively working to provide additional transport support for public school teachers, ensuring their prompt attendance in classes. As part of this initiative, a 25% rebate on public transportation fares has been introduced for commuters using BRT, train, and ferry services. Discussions are also underway with various transport unions to further reduce fares, making transportation more affordable for residents. In addition to these measures, the government is considering covering the costs of free child deliveries across its 31 General Hospitals. Whether through normal birth or cesarean section, the aim is to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure access to essential healthcare services for expectant mothers.
Recognising the importance of access to healthcare, the Lagos State government has incorporated a medical outreach programme into its relief efforts. This initiative provides free medical services to residents across the state, ensuring that those who may otherwise be unable to afford healthcare can receive the support they need. From basic medical check-ups to the distribution of essential medications, this outreach programme embodies the government’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of its citizens. In addition to providing direct relief to households, the Lagos State government has implemented measures to empower public servants. Since January, the minimum wage for public officers has been increased, ensuring that workers receive a more livable wage. This increase not only addresses immediate financial needs but also serves as a testament to the government’s dedication to improving the lives of its workforce.
According to Omotoso, the administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens is evident in its multifaceted approach to governance – whether it’s repairing and expanding road networks, constructing hospitals, clearing drainage systems, investing in intermodal transportation, empowering residents, or creating opportunities for economic growth, improving the lives of the people remains the primary focus. Through its actions, the state government continues to demonstrate its understanding that effective governance is measured not by rhetoric but by tangible improvements in the lives of the people it serves. By placing the needs of residents at the forefront of every decision and initiative, the administration embodies the essence of responsive and people-centric governance, he stressed.
Omotoso further highlighted that since assuming office in May 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu has consistently demonstrated a commitment to honouring his promises. “It is, thus, not surprising that “Mr. Talk and Do” is fulfilling the promise which he made during the media chat on February 22 – to unveil a comprehensive package of socio-economic interventions to reduce the current hardship in the land. This gathering is a continuation of the government’s bold efforts to lighten the burden of residents, especially the most vulnerable among us; the poorest of the poor; those who do not know where the next meal will come from. Eko Cares, which is being unveiled today, is an aggregate of all the measures designed to ease the pain of our vulnerable citizens who have no one else to turn to for succour,” he said.
