Today, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is set to unveil a comprehensive initiative dubbed EKO CARES, aimed at tackling the economic challenges confronting Lagos residents. According to a statement released by the state government on Sunday, this initiative seeks to provide relief across key sectors such as transportation, education, health, and agriculture, intending to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and the escalating cost of living.
To spearhead this endeavor, Governor Sanwo-Olu has established a non-partisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council, comprising prominent figures from various spheres. The council, chaired by the governor himself, includes Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor, serving as the alternate Chairman, alongside rights activists, religious leaders, a youth representative, and opposition party leaders.
Earlier in February, the governor had announced a series of measures to alleviate economic hardships among residents. These included a 50% reduction in fares across all government transportation platforms, subsequently adjusted to 25% following a review. Additionally, initiatives such as the Ounje Eko Sunday market, offering a 25% reduction in food prices, and reduced workdays for civil servants from levels one to 14 were introduced. A wage award of N35,000 was extended to all civil servants, and financial support of N50,000 each was provided to 15,000 women across the local governments and development areas. Moreover, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced free delivery services for expectant women in all government hospitals, among other initiatives outlined in the statement.
