Wale Jagun
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday announced that his government will embark on health palliatives that will improve the well-being of the citizens.
Sanwo – Olu disclosed this during the 2023 Community Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, held at the Police College ground, Ikeja, stating that the subsidy on health care services and products is to cushion the economic challenges facing the citizens, particularly the rural communities.
While giving the pledge, the Governor explained that his administration was aware of the growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country and would provide subvention to citizens on medical products as it was done in the transportation sector as well as in food distributions.
He commended efforts of CDAs in complementing the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of the present administration through the numerous developmental self-help projects that CDAs across the State executed in the bid to make Lagos State a 21st Century Economy.
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 to address the needs of the people, particularly in the State’s suburbs.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje commended the gesture of Mr. 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 resonates with the State’s developmental agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu as evident in the newly re-established Office.
Equally, he appreciated the present administration 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 Mr 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, Dr. Nurudeen 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 on 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 vehicles for mobility, amongst others.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa appreciated Mr. Governor for his steadfastness and commitment to grassroots development and most especially towards the realisation of the day’s celebration.
The high point of the event was 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.
18-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 #500,000:00 each were also given to the CDAs who came 5th to 10th.
The event also had in attendance members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Chairmen of LG/LCDAs, Royal Fathers and other dignitaries in the State.
