In an interview with our correspondent on Friday, August 11, 2023, in Lagos, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, the Executive Chairman of the council, conveyed that the local government had initiated a cash support program to mitigate the impact of the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidies.
Egunjobi emphasized that the cash support was just one of the initiatives being undertaken by the local government to counteract the repercussions of the fuel subsidy removal. He further mentioned that the council was extending assistance to around 250 youths within the community, providing them with a monthly stipend of ₦10,000 each.
“We are committed to empowering our community members, and this commitment remains unwavering,” Egunjobi stated.
He shared that the local government had already benefited over 4,000 artisans and traders through an empowerment scheme, where each recipient was granted ₦100,000 to foster the growth of their businesses and alleviate the effects of the subsidy removal.
Egunjobi highlighted, “Our ongoing initiative to provide a monthly support of ₦10,000 to 250 young individuals in Agege is also a testament to our dedication to enhancing the well-being of our constituents.”
The chairman revealed that the council was in the process of devising a program aimed at distributing food items to more than 5,000 residents for a period of six months. This program, according to Egunjobi, was designed to offer immediate assistance to vulnerable members of the community in meeting their essential needs.
“When this program is put into action, it will be inclusive, extending its benefits to all those in need of support,” Egunjobi assured. He urged compassionate Nigerians, organizations, and other local councils to consider implementing similar programs to provide relief to residents across various communities.
ONIFTV reports indicated that the council had recently decided to reduce its workweek to three days to alleviate the financial hardships faced by workers due to the subsidy removal. Additionally, the council had announced reductions in levies imposed on traders and residents in the area.
“The reduction in workdays and levies has become essential due to the impact of the Federal Government’s withdrawal of subsidies on the residents of our jurisdiction,” Egunjobi explained. He further expressed that while the removal of the subsidy was a positive step, the council was mindful of its unintended consequences on staff and residents.
“In this challenging period, under my leadership, the council is determined to provide comfort to our staff, residents, and local businesses,” Egunjobi stated in a formal announcement.