The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it is using the no fewer than 4,000 registered Community Development Association, Non Governmental Organisations and Religious Leaders to distribute the economic stimulus package for the indigent and most vulnerable in the society unveiled by the State Government on Friday.
The stimulus, which comes in food packs, to be distributed to every local government in the State, is aimed at cushioning the effects of the 14 days stay-at-home directive by the State Government.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who disclosed this in Lagos on Sunday, explained that since the exercise began on Friday, six local government areas: Eti-Osa, Oshodi Isolo, Epe, Badagry, Agege and Ibeju Lekki, have received their stimulus packages, adding that the remaining local government areas would be covered within the next 10 days.
Lawal noted that the stimulus packages coupled with the flagging-off of the neighbourhood food markets in 25 selected schools in the State, the State Government was trying to ameliorate the suffering the people might experience during the restriction exercise in the State.
Lawal stressed that the stimulus package of the State Government is quite unique and different from many that are been posted on the social media, adding that it is sealed and branded.
He said: “If you receive any produce from any other source that is not branded, they are not from us. Our rice is the 5kg rice, sealed. Our garri is 5kg, sealed; beans, 3kg, sealed. Other finished products are also coming like the sachet pepper, tomatoes and onions. That is what the State Government is giving out.
“So far, six local governments have received their packages. I want to assure Lagosians that if you are yet to get the relief package, they are on their way. The people are supposed to be in their local government and in their homes.”
Lawal urged residents to exercise patience as the stimulus package would get to the targeted people, just as he urged them to maintain social distancing and good personal hygiene to reduce the spread of Coronavirus Disease in the state,
He said: “Again, it is important for us to let Lagosians know that social distancing is something we want to be advocating, people should just relax, the food will get to them because we understand what the economic situation is.
“It is also important for us to make clarity about the economic stimulus package initiated by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to see how we can bring succour; the social safety net for indigent communities and vulnerable households in Lagos state.
“I am sure you are aware that 200,000 households in the first instance have been earmarked and we are working with the community development associations, religious leaders and organisations, councilors and non-governmental organisations in collaboration with the state government officials to ensure that we get the package to the indigent communities.”
Lawal therefore advised all residents of the State to take individual responsibility during this restrictive period by acting positively so that the chain of COVID-19 transmission could be broken in the State.
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