…promises health palliatives, gives buses, other consolation prices
By Rasaq Adebayo
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that his government will embark on health palliatives that will improve the well-being of the citizens by subsidising medicines in the State.
He made the announcement on Thursday, December 14, 2023 during the 2023 Annual Community Day celebration while commending the efforts of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in completing the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of this administration.
This commendation came as a result of the numerous developmental self-help projects that CDAs across the State executed in the bid to make Lagos State a 21st Century Economy.
While announcing the palliative, he said the subsidy on health care services and products is to cushion the economic challenges facing the citizens, particularly the rural communities.
Speaking at the Police College ground, the venue of the 2023 Community Day Celebration, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, the Governor explained that his administration is aware of the growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country and will provide subvention to citizens on medical products as it was done in the transportation sector as well as food distributions.
“You have all come out once again to support our government which you all exhibited during the last celebration where we promised you that we will leave no one behind in the development of our state and communities and I am elated to have you here that you have fulfilled your promises.
“We are working towards ensuring good living for all Lagosians, as we have reduced the transport fare and we are currently working on the Red Line Rail system and it will be completed next year. It will commence from Iju and transit through Ikeja, Oshodi and Mushin,” he said.
He also added that the State is constructing new roads to ease traffic gridlock across the State.
“We are not going to leave you in various communities, we will continue to provide amenities for all of you in rural areas. We are not going to stay at the Ikoyi and Island axis. We are going to reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the State.
“Today, we are here to appreciate you and thank you for your efforts aimed at developing the grassroots. As you know, we have slashed the transport fare. We have provided palliatives of foodstuff. We are going to do more. But the cost of drugs is also rising. As a responsive and responsible government, we will also provide palliatives on medicines,” Sanwo-Olu promised.
While reminding those present of his promise to them earlier in the year, the Governor said his administration re-established the Office of Rural Development to serve as a rallying point for complaints to address the needs of the people particularly in the State’s suburbs.
Similarly, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development; Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, while giving his welcome address, commended the gesture of the Governor, who has in the past five years consistently appreciated and rewarded CDAs for their self-help projects.
He added that the theme of the event resonated with the State’s developmental agenda of the Governor which is evident in the newly re-established Office.
Equally, he appreciated the Governor for the re-establishment of the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry, adding that the re-establishment is a testament to the commitment of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to the overall development of communities in Lagos State.
While appreciating the newly inaugurated Community Development Advisory Council for their contribution to the development of the State through their self-help projects, Agbaje urged them to keep up the good work as the State Government appreciates their efforts in the development of the State.
The Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), Alhaji Azeez Amusat, who thanked the Governor for his support and commitment to the welfare of citizens in the State, also appreciated him for the confidence reposed in the Council, particularly the distribution of palliatives to residents across the State.
He, however, appealed to the Governor to remember the Council’s requests during the last Community Day Celebration, such as a community house, and mobility, amongst other needs of the Council.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development; Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa while giving the vote of thanks, appreciated the Governor for his steadfastness and commitment to grassroots development and most especially towards the realisation of today’s celebration.
The event climaxed with the presentation of cash gifts to CDAs and grand prizes of four brand new buses to three outstanding CDAs and the best rural community of the year.
Eighteen-seater buses were presented to the first, second, and third CDAs which are Greenland Estate CDA in Eti-Osa East LCDA; Royal Estate CDA in Egbe-Idimu LCDA, and Elepe Royal Estate in Ikorodu Council Area, while the Best Rural Community award went to Araromi CDA in Ibeji Lekki LCDA.
Consolation prices of N500,000 each were also given to the fifth to tenth CDAs respectively.
The event had in attendance members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, chairmen, royal fathers, and other dignitaries.