The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) has presented cheques to 150 beneficiaries of the Financial Assistance Social Intervention Programme of the present administration geared towards uplifting the lives of indigent residents as well as improving the welfare of vulnerable Lagosians.
Speaking at the event held at the Secretariat, Alausa, on Wednesday, the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement Dr Tajudeen Afolabi said the initiative which is in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the State Government said the beneficiaries were selected based on their level of vulnerability and genuine need for assistance.
Dr. Afolabi emphasised that the social intervention programme is a tangible manifestation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promises made during his re-election campaign and serves as a testament to the fulfilment of these promises.
He further highlighted the remarkable frequency of the cheque distribution, attributing it to the promptness with which Mr. Governor responded to the office’s requests.
In his words, “Upon receiving the requests, the Governor expeditiously approved the financial assistance which demonstrates the Governor’s recognition of and concern for the financial needs of Lagosians, particularly during these challenging times, as evidenced by the subsidy removal.
He added that the ongoing social intervention programme showcases the government’s dedication to supporting its residents, prioritising their well-being, and mitigating the impact of economic hardships.
“We are concerned about Lagosians in these trying times, so we try as much as possible to give palliatives and financial assistance to indigent Lagosians – all they need to do is to write to this office, stating their needs but provided that they have a LASSRA Identity Card, which must be attached with their request letter, their phone number must also be there with their passport photograph”, he said.
The Special Adviser reiterated that the process of determining the amount to be given to each beneficiary in the Financial Assistance Social Intervention Programme is not based on favouritism, but rather on specific requests submitted by each individual. The Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) implements a diligent monitoring system to verify the information provided in the requests.
Speaking further, Afolabi said, “In addition to this programme, the Office also operates the Citizensgate 2.0 platform: a feedback mechanism that allows Lagosians to provide feedback on government activities, both positive and negative, as well as report any problems they encounter.
The reports or complaints would be promptly addressed by Resolvers from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This initiative aims to engage the grassroots and ensure effective service delivery”.
The Special Adviser encouraged Lagosians to spread the word about the programme, reaching out to those who have not yet benefited. The Office is determined to serve and deliver the dividends of good governance to all Lagosians, ensuring their welfare and addressing their needs.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe said that there is no age restriction to the Financial Assistance programme and this can be seen from the cross-section of the beneficiaries present.
All that is required is to put in an application, once the office can verify the claims, such applicants will be called to pick up their cheques.
She also called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the health insurance programme and register with Lagos State Health Management Agencies (LASHMA) to enjoy the health intervention benefits of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration.
