Poverty Alleviation: Sanwo-Olu gifts over 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians ₦460 million

By Our Correspondent

In his avowed determination to empower the vulnerable, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday disbursed a total of ₦460 million, cheques to over 1,000 Lagosians.

Consequently, the disbursement which took place at Blue Roof, Alausa, Ikeja under EKO Cares Initiative was supervised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat noted that the initiative has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of individuals within the State.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that for this year, the sum of ₦1.6 billion has been set aside to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Today is a day filled with joy — a day when the government reconnects with the people at their point of need. More than that, it is a moment that reaffirms the true essence of governance: to provide comfort, hope, and opportunities for those who need it the most.

“This presentation of cheques to over 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of compassion and our shared humanity. It serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply we care for one another. Through initiatives like this, we strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens — a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion.

“Today, we are disbursing a total of ₦460 million, and this is not the first time this year, nor will it be the last. As we move toward the end of the year, more beneficiaries will be receiving their cheques, as we keep extending our support to those who need it the most.

“So far, EKO Cares has made a real difference in the lives of over 8,100 individuals, while EKO Listens has lent a helping hand to more than 8,690 beneficiaries. In 2024 alone, we distributed ₦1.1 billion to 2,477 residents throughout the state. For this year, we have set aside ₦1.6 billion to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries — and these programs are still running, with even more residents ready to receive support,” the Governor stated.

While stressing that it is a commitment to making social intervention inclusive and impactful, Governor Sanwo-Olu added, “our strong belief that governance should directly touch lives — not from afar, but with genuine empathy and decisive action. Behind every household is a story filled with dreams, hard work, and sometimes challenges. It is our responsibility to ensure that these challenges don’t dictate their futures.

“Our administration is deeply in tune with the needs of our residents. That is why we have been rolling out a variety of social intervention programs that truly bring relief to families and communities across Lagos.

“One such initiative is the EKO Cares program — also known as Financial Assistance — which is the reason we are gathered here today. Launched in 2020, it aims to uplift vulnerable Lagosians by providing targeted support in healthcare, housing, education, and small business development.

“EKO Cares is making a real difference in the lives of thousands across our state. It is here to help residents tackle economic hurdles, foster inclusion and stability, and bring back hope and dignity. This initiative truly exemplifies what it means to have responsive and compassionate leadership, along with inclusive governance, as we continue our fight against poverty.”

Sanwo-Olu noted, “To our beneficiaries, today’s support is more than just financial aid; it is a seed of hope. Use it wisely. Let it ignite your next breakthrough, bolster your business, or bring peace to your home. The government can open doors, but it is your determination that keeps them wide open.”

The Special Adviser, Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi said, “Today’s event stands as a tangible expression of the inclusive governance principles embedded in the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda. It underscores Mr. Governor’s steadfast dedication to listening to the voices of our people, responding to their needs, and extending meaningful support-especially to those grappling with economic hardship or personal challenges that warrant financial intervention.”

Dr Afolabi added, “It is important to highlight that the mandate of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement is to strengthen the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government and other political gladiators; as well as create and implement citizens’ engagement policies, where every citizen in the State, irrespective of creed, religious belief, social inclination and ethnic nationality feels secured, engaged and fulfilled.”

By George Mgbeleke

As National Assembly concludes review of the 1999 constitution, a faith-based and community development organization in Zaria, Kaduna State, Fityanatul Islam Gabari, has declared its full support for Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s proposal for the establishment of a truly Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)in Nigeria.

The endorsement, announced at a press briefing in Kaduna, marks growing civil society backing for Obiorah’s push to reform Nigeria’s electoral framework and reduce political interference in the appointment of electoral officers.

Speaking during the briefing, the President of Fityanatul Islam Gabari, Mallam Lawal, said the organization’s decision followed a careful review of Senator Obiorah’s draft bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to transfer the power of appointing electoral bodies from the President and State Governors to a neutral and independent institution.

“On behalf of Fityanatul Islam Gabari, Zaria, we formally express our endorsement and full support for Senator IkechukwuObiorah’s draft bill,” Lawal stated.

“We agree that credible elections cannot be achieved while those who contest elections also control the appointment of electoral officials.”

The endorsement follows a lecture delivered by Senator Obiorah in August to members of the Muslim Tertiary Students Association titled “Strengthening Democracy: The Philosophy of Elections and Nigeria’s Fake Democracy.” The lecture, which examined the structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral process, appears to have galvanized support from religious and youth-based organizations.

Senator Obiorah, who submitted the private draft bill to the National Assembly in July, is proposing the creation of a restructured Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) composed of 13 commissioners. Under the plan, six commissioners would be elected by major Nigerian labour and professional bodies, six nominated by the United Nations (UN), and one observer commissioner by Transparency International.

According to the group, this model would strengthen electoral integrity, minimize corruption, and ensure transparency in the use of electoral technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

The group also emphasized the importance of extending voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora.

“We strongly believe that dishonest and manipulated elections are the root causes of poverty, bad governance, and underdevelopment,” Lawal said.

“This reform, if enacted, will help restore confidence in our democracy and ensure that power truly returns to the people.”

The organization further defended the inclusion of international partners such as the United Nations, noting that the UN and its agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, and FAO have been longstanding partners in Nigeria’s development and governance processes.

“It is therefore appropriate that they contribute to strengthening our democratic institutions,” Lawal added.

Similarly, the National Muslim Youth Association, an alumni body of the Muslim Tertiary Students Association, sometimelast month also endorsed the bill, describing it as a necessary step toward achieving credible elections and good governance.

The group urged the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and the Presidency to give due consideration to Senator Obiorah’s proposal and expedite its passage.

“The success of this bill will mark a turning point in our political evolution,” the group said, “and reaffirm the belief that democracy must be anchored on fairness, accountability, and the will of the people.

By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.

Governor Fubara made this known on Monday while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.

The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.

The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.

The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”

“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.

He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.

Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.

“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.

Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.

“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added. ###.