Civil Society Groups Commend Sanwo-Olu on Economic Palliatives
The Human Rights community as well some socio-political organisations have commended the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the steps taken so far in order to lessen the economic hardships in the State.
The precarious economic situation in the Country has led to a worrisome situation whereby families have found it extremely hard to make ends meet. The adverse effects of some of the federal government’s recent policies have made things harder for ordinary folks. The Federal government removed fuel subsidies and also floated the Naira which has seen the prices of commodities skyrocketed.
The governor who spoke to the media on his plans to ameliorate the sufferings of Lagosians explained steps being taken by his administration to reduce the effects of the harsh economic realities.
He said working hours for civil servants on Grade Level 1-14 had been reduced to three days a week, while those on Grade Level 15-17 will work four days per week.
He also said the government was re-introducing a 25 per cent transport rebate and subsidy on movements in the government-owned transport system.
In a release jointly signed by Razaq Olokoba, Convener of Campaign For Dignity in Governance; Prince AdeWale Adepoju of Epe Youth Movement and Adekunle Adeosun Coordinator of Center for Labour and Workers Advocacy, the groups noted that Sanwo-Olu has shown uncommon passion for the people of Lagos State.
“The interventions by Mr. Sanwo-Olu to ameliorate the harsh economic situation in the Country is highly commendable. It is gratifying to know that Lagos State government has shown responsibility and responsiveness to the yearnings of the people.
“The steps taken by Mr. Governor, especially the prompt payment of pensioners’ entitlements, re-introduction of Sunday Markets for subsidised goods at selected places, and subsidy on some drugs will lessen some of the burden on Lagosians”, the groups noted.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration was working towards putting interventions in place across different sectors to reduce and ameliorate the sufferings of Lagosians.
He said, “We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) at least 1,000, will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily.
“Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchase and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.
“Also, we will be having Sunday markets in 42 identified markets, where people can buy cheaply at discounted rates. Purchase will, however, be limited to N25, 000 to ensure that those who really need it benefit from The governor said the re-introduction of 25 per cent reduction in all public transportation, will include: the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as well as rail and ferries. He pledged to increase transport support for teachers in public schools across the state and exempt parents from showing evidence of tax payments to encourage enrollment of more students in schools initiative”, Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor said the re-introduction of 25 per cent reduction in all public transportation, will include: the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as well as rail and ferries. He pledged to increase transport support for teachers in public schools across the state and exempt parents from showing evidence of tax payments to encourage enrolment of more students in schools
Sanwo-Olu also said the 31 general hospitals across the state had been directed to take child deliveries for free. He announced that the six health districts in the state would embark on free health missions twice a week.
