‘Eko Cares’: Beneficiaries applaud Sanwo-Olu for alleviating economic hardship in Lagos

*Beneficiaries have continued to appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for his administration’s sustainable implementation of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiatives for the benefit of Lagosians, and Nigerian consumers in general

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Beneficiaries have continued to pour encomiums Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for his administration’s sustainable implementation of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiatives for the benefit of consumers.

ConsumerConnect reports the ‘Eko Cares’ initiatives are designed to alleviate the current economic challenges Nigerians experience not only in Lagos State but across the country.

The ‘Eko Cares’ Initiatives, which Governor Sanwo-Olu launched April 2024, is the umbrella signature for several poverty-alleviating campaigns, is namely: ‘Alafia Eko’, ‘Ounje Eko’ Sunday Market, ‘Eko Fund Me’, ‘Alaafia Eko’, ‘Owo Isowo Eko’, and ‘Edinwo Owo Oko Eko’.

They are all focused on lessening the burden of over 500,000 Lagos households amid the current economic hardship in four critical sectors including transportation, education, health and agriculture in the cosmopolitan state in Nigeria.

These interventions are in line with the Lagos State Government’s pledge to improve the quality of lives of the citizens in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and 37 LCDAs.

Dr. Funmilayo Bankole, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District, and other health practitioners who coordinated the campaigns in different locations in the state, noted that the ‘Alafia Eko’ is aimed at ensuring the health and wellbeing of Lagosians.

“What we do here is to screen Lagosians for silent killers, such as hypertension, diabetes, etc., and prevent these conditions from causing complications,” said Dr. Bankole.

In his remarks at the ‘Alafia Eko’ intervention, held in Mushin LGA, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Tajudeen Adebowale, expressed excitement, as he said: “We are very happy about this initiative. May God continue to bless the governor to do even more, especially programmes like this healthcare initiative.”

Alhaja Ajani Badru, another beneficiary at the Meiran intervention outreach, stated: “We are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for the free healthcare brought to us. “Medications these days are very expensive and today, we got sufficient treatment at no cost.”

Mr. Adekojo Samuel, also a beneficiary of the initiative, expressed similar sentiments, thanking the Governor for the eye tests, drugs, and eye glasses received.

Relating his experience at the Isolo outreach, Mr. Iyanu Temituro said: “The programme is excellently beautiful, organised, and the medical personnel were very approachable. “I’m enjoying two medical services for stooling and blood pressure.”

Mr. Abiodun Ayodele, still a beneficiary from the Surulere outreach, was also full of commendations.

Ayodele stated: “I appreciate what the Lagos Governor has done. See the lots of drugs they gave me; at the same time, I got brand new eye glasses.”

Other beneficiaries from Apapa LGA were also full of praises for the Governor, dedicating songs in Yoruba to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

They equally described him as a promise keeper. Among them were Mrs. Tawa Yusuf and Mrs. Oloofa Bola, who got free eye glasses.

Others were Mrs. Aremu Lateefat, Mr. Rasheed Raheem, and Mrs. Saratu Ishola, who all got free drugs and medicals.

They described the health initiative as a huge achievement and a big relief for them.

On the success of the programme, Dr. Saheed Tajudeen, a volunteer at the Igbogbo, at Ikorodu outreach, expressed excitement at the turnout for ‘Alafia Eko’ initiative.

Dr. Tajudeen said: “Lots of people in the community don’t usually visit our Primary Health Centre, and Lagos State has deemed it fit to bring medical care to their doorsteps. This is laudable.”

Other locations visited in this phase of the ‘Alafia Eko’ health initiative include Ikorodu North LCDA and Ikotun LCDA.

‘Eko Cares’ is supervised by the Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC), a non-partisan body set up to advise the government on the various initiatives lined up to help the poor weather the current economic hardship in the country.

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