The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos, Engr. Mojeed Balogun has commenced two phases of palliative distribution for residents in the area.
This initiative was taken to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The initial phase, which commenced last week, involved the provision of subsidized food items.
In the second phase, which was flagged off on Thursday, food items were distributed free of charge to the vulnerable population.
According to the Chairman of the Local Government Mojeed Balogun, a dedicated committee was established to ensure the items reach vulnerable individuals. “The Community Development Association (CDA) and Community Development Committees (CDC) have worked with the local government to verify if they are really part of the community, ” he said. And they have found that they are the poorest of the poorest. The program is meant for them.”
The beneficiaries also expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the palliatives.
One of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists at the distribution event, said the “initiative came at the right time”.
In response to the fuel subsidy removal, the federal government gave N5 billion to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Since then, the state and local governments have embarked on various interventions including offering free or subsidized transport services and distributing food items to assist economically disadvantaged populations.
