Lagos State Government has distributed ₦2.46 billion to 8,690 residents through the “Sanwo-Olu Listens” financial support scheme, as part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate the burden on vulnerable citizens.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, during the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja on Thursday. The briefing is one of several events marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office during his current term.
Dr. Tajudeen explained that the financial assistance initiative, launched in 2020, is designed to offer direct economic relief to individuals facing hardships such as soaring medical expenses, rent challenges, educational costs, and small business struggles.
He emphasized that the programme represents more than just aid it signals the government’s enduring commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and economic opportunity. “The ‘Sanwo-Olu Listens’ programme is a beacon of hope for many, built on the principle that no one in Lagos should be left behind,” he said.
Looking ahead, the state plans to disburse an additional ₦1.6 billion to around 1,000 individuals in the coming weeks as part of a special Sallah relief package.
According to Dr. Tajudeen, this initiative is not a one-off event but part of a broader and continuous effort aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty. “This intervention lays the foundation for long-term stability and broader economic participation,” he added.
He also highlighted the achievements of Eko Cares, another support programme of the state, which has empowered over 6,000 small scale entrepreneurs with resources to create sustainable income streams. In the area of health and nutrition, over ₦400 million was invested in maternal and child welfare, benefiting more than 6,200 mothers and children.
To combat child hunger and enhance school attendance, the Snacks for Thought programme was introduced, providing daily nutritious meals to nearly 12,000 pupils in public primary schools across Lagos. “Children received balanced meals, including rice and protein-rich options, helping to boost both their health and academic performance,” he said.
On citizen feedback, Dr. Tajudeen reported that the state received over 400,000 submissions via the Citizens Gate digital portal in the past year. This, he noted, has improved the state’s responsiveness and promoted more participatory governance.
