Eko Cares: Lagos govt begins distribution of food items to 500,000 household
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government, on Wednesday began the distribution of food items to 500,000 vulnerable households in the state.
The food programme tagged ‘Lagos State Social Intervention Programme ‘ Eko Cares, Nurturing Hope, Empowering Lives,’ was flagged off at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
According to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who flagged off the initiative, the food items would be distributed through religious leaders, Community Development Associations, trade unions and other grassroot organisations to the vulnerable in the society.
The governor said the ‘Eko Cares’ is in continuation of the ongoing ‘Ounje Eko:’ programme where food items are sold at cheaper rates in several locations across the state.
Sanwo-Olu also said it was in fulfillment of his February 22, 2024 promise to provide food palliatives to Lagosians in view of the economic meltdown the country is experiencing.
“During my last media chat, I promised that we are going to assist citizens to assess food at cheaper rates. In the last six weeks, work has started in all locations. We created 59 markets out of the 57 local governments and council development areas. We are also running a medical outreach, “ he said.
He added: “ This Eko Cares is to touch 500,000 households. We have packaged food in sacks to be distributed to the vulnerable. The objective is to ensure food is not an issue that will challenge the vulnerables. We want to ensure food sellers are not increasing prices indiscriminately. “
Governor Sanwo-Olu further said the programme was to complement the federal government’s food palliatives programme.
The governor however warned union, religious and community leaders ‘not to hoard the food items’ by ensuring it gets to the targeted people.
In his earlier remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the initiative, describing him ‘ a leader who is bound by his words.’
He noted that ‘Eko Cares’ is for the vulnerables, adding that Sanwo-Olu’s administration has touched the lives of every Lagosian.
“ The launching of Eko Cares is a testimony that the administration would continue to touch lives until the economic meltdown is over,”Omotoso said.
