Lagos takes social protection campaign to divisions as residents hail ‘Ounje Eko’, others

The Lagos State Government and social protection stakeholders have called for strengthened partnerships to ensure vulnerable groups benefit from its social intervention programmes.

Recently, the Lagos State Government took the campaign for its social protection programmes to residents across five divisions in Ikorodu, Badagary, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe (IBILE).

The campaign was executed by the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in collaboration with Socio-Functional MDAs and UNICEF.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, stated that social development was an area of priority to the government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

George said Lagos has more than 90 social intervention programmes catering to various needs of its residents in the area of feeding and family welfare, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, business grants, education, and many others.

“This is to ensure that we are unified by a common goal that no one is left behind,” he said. “This is to uplift the most vulnerable and marginalized among us.

“Together, we will make a lasting impact in the lives of our people and build a future where every citizen can thrive and achieve inclusive economic growth.”

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, said the government has empowered artisans whose profiles were sourced from the State Single Social Register and trained women and youths in life-sustaining skills.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende, noted that the Ministry continues to deliver youth-centered programmes to ensure that Lagos youths are self-reliant and would do more going forward.

The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, disclosed that the ministry recently empowered youths through the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) with several other initiatives in the pipeline.

Presenting an overview of social protection programmes, the Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Oluwakemi Gabadeen Adedeji, disclosed that the Lagos State Single Social Register would be updated to ensure transparency in implementing the social interventions programme.

Meanwhile, residents across the five divisions have commended the government for the social protection programmes, describing them as “life savers” in a time of economic hardship in Lagos State.

In Epe, a trader identified as Sherifat said the grant received was the major reason she is still in business.

In Ikorodu, an artisan named Adewale said the social protection programmes have come in handy for him and his family, specifically the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative.

A mother of four in Ikeja said the ‘Ilera Eko’ health scheme has helped her family get good healthcare without breaking the bank.

A beneficiary of the state’s youth empowerment programme, Benjamin, a resident of Lagos Island, said the government’s initiative empowered him with a tech skill where he foresees a bright future ahead.

Attendees of the campaign in Badagary commended the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative and called for its extension in more markets in the local government.