Lagos compensates 150 residents with N1.5b for property demolished for projects

• Warns it’s a crime to discriminate against persons with HIV/AIDS
• Empowers 100 patients with working tools, cash

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, presented cheques of over N1.5 billion to 150 beneficiaries whose land or property had been demolished for road, school constructions, and other facilities.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the cheque presentation ceremony, said: “Today represents a moment where partnerships between citizens and government converge to shape a prosperous future. Hence, we are not only honouring commitment but also reinforcing our dedication to creating a state that serves its people.”

The governor said that as a government, it recognises not only the invaluable support landowners have provided for the state’s ambitious development initiatives but also the spirit of cooperation and commitment they have shown toward the shared vision for a better Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the compensation judiciously by investing in ventures that would yield enduring benefits for them and their families.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has warned that it is a crime to discriminate against persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS) in the state, imploring anyone discriminated against to report to the government for necessary action.

Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, stated this, yesterday, during a walk to raise awareness against stigmatising persons living with HIV/AIDS as part of activities marking this year’s World AIDS Day.

During the walk that took participants around the roads and streets around Alausa, aside from fliers and condoms that were distributed to residents, there were signboards with different inscriptions to educate people against stigmatisation.

After the walk, 100 persons living with HIV/AIDs were empowered with different working tools and cash. Thirty elderly persons living with HIV/AIDs were given cash and a bag of rice while others got tailoring machines, grinding machines, clippers and generators.

Animashaun said the empowerment tools were given out so that the beneficiaries could be self-reliant and know that the state government is with them.

According to her, empowerment is part of the government’s agenda of not leaving anyone behind.