The Lagos State Government has disbursed ₦2.7 billion under its EKO Cares and EKO Listens social intervention programmes, providing financial support to over 10,000 vulnerable households across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and poverty reduction during the presentation of ₦460 million in cheques to 1,000 new beneficiaries of the EKO Listens initiative at the Lagos Television premises, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
“This presentation is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of compassion and our shared humanity,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Progress is not only about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply we care for one another. Through initiatives like this, we strengthen the bond of trust between government and citizens.”
According to the governor, EKO Cares has supported over 8,100 individuals, while EKO Listens has assisted more than 8,690 residents. In 2024 alone, ₦1.1 billion was distributed to 2,477 beneficiaries, with another ₦1.6 billion set aside to support 2,850 more residents before the year ends.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, describing them as laying the groundwork for sustainable prosperity and inclusivity. He appealed to Lagosians to remain patient and supportive of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said the intervention aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equity, empathy, and empowerment.
He revealed that beneficiaries were carefully selected from over 5,000 applicants across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, with women accounting for 46 percent of the recipients.
Tajudeen added that the state government has also distributed food palliatives to over 2,000 vulnerable residents, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Highlighting other achievements, he noted that the CitizensGate Mobile App has connected more than 500,000 users—including Lagosians in the diaspora—to government services and feedback channels, while the Civic Education Programme has engaged 7,888 students to promote civic participation and political inclusion.
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