The Lagos State government is distributing food packs to poor residents of the state to cushion the effect of the 14-day stay-at-home directive occasioned by the coronavirus crisis, The Nation report.
Two hundred thousand households are expected to benefit from the economic stimulus package for the indigent and the most vulnerable in the society.
The food packs are currently awaiting distribution to the local government and council development areas of the state at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Agege.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during an inspection visit to the ministry yesterday said the economic stimulus was to reduce the burden of the temporary economic downturn on the citizens caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Governor said the food packs, which were put together by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will reach the most vulnerable communities and households across Lagos, saying that the indigents who rely on daily wages will be given priority.
“We are all aware that this is a trying time for our citizens and since the partial drop in economic activities, our government deemed it necessary to reach out to the vulnerable ones in the society,” he said.
He added: “These people are those that fall below the pyramid, the aged and the physically challenged who need to move from one part of the city to another for them to have a living. We felt that as a government, the least we can do is to identify them and give them these stimulus packages immediately.’’
The Governor stated that the package will touch at least 200,000 thousand households in the first phase, saying the food packs are produced for a size of six people per household and would last for at least fourteen days.
“We have packaged dry food stimulus for about 200000 families in the first instance for a household of husband, wife and about four children. We would be giving bags of rice, bags of beans, garri, bread, dry pepper and we are trying to see if we can add water and some elements of vitamin C. Each ration, we believe is going to be able to last them at least minimum 14 days just so our advocacy around stay at home, stay with your loved ones will be respected.
“This is a catalytic initiative of our administration with the hope that well-meaning corporate organizations and private individuals can step up to complement the efforts of the government’’ Sanwo-Olu said.
Agriculture Commissioner Gbolahan Lawal said the Government would be working with the existing database of the state – using the Lagos State Social register and 4000 community development association register in 377 wards.
