Hardship: Lagos gov, Sanwo-Olu, announces 25% slash in fares, other palliatives

• Says leaders solve problems, make life better, not give excuses
• Reduces work hours for civil servants, promises free services in govt hospitals

As part of efforts to cushion the effect of the biting economy on citizens, Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu, yesterday, unveiled palliatives across sectors of the economy, including a 25 per cent cut in transport fees in state-owned vehicles.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this during a media chat, said his administration would work towards putting interventions in place across different sectors to reduce and ameliorate the sufferings of Lagosians, as well as address the economic challenges currently being experienced by citizens.

He said leaders have responsibilities to solve problems and challenges, as well make lives better for the citizens and not give excuses.

The governor, who stated that his administration was not unmindful of the economic challenges being faced by Lagosians, said that as part of the interventions, civil servants on Grade Level 1-14 would be at work thrice a week and work remotely on other days.

However, workers in the teaching sector, he said, would continue to work five days a week but the government would provide additional transport support to assist their movements.

He also said that his government would bring succour to pensioners as they would earn their pensions as when due aside other measures.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration would further put in place free child delivery packages for pregnant women at the various state health facilities, as well as a reduction in the prices of some drugs just as all the health districts across the state would go on health missions twice a week to provide free healthcare for the citizens.

The governor further said that his government had embarked on procurement of 100 trailers of rice and some other food items would be distributed to less privileged residents just as 42 Sunday markets would be opened across the state for residents to buy food items at 25 per cent discount.

He, therefore, promised to collaborate with various local councils to provide free meals daily for residents, restating his government’s commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for the people.

He also promised to put infrastructure in place and exempt parents from showing tax payment evidence before allowing their children in schools for now.

Sanwo-Olu, however, appealed to Lagosians to shun violence and work together with his administration to achieve a greater Lagos.

He urged residents to cooperate with his administration as it works towards putting interventions in place to cushion the economic hardship currently being experienced by them.

He also enjoined private individuals and businesses to take a cue from some of the decisions of the state government to cushion the effect of the harsh economy on their members of staff.