Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sunday, September 3, kicked off distribution of foodstuff palliatives for vulnerable Lagosians.

This forms part of earlier ones announced by the governor.

The governor had earlier announced a 50 per cent cut in the BRT, as well as free healthcare for expectant mothers.

The distribution will also be done in phases across the state’s five divisions of Lagos Island, Ikeja, Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu. It will be monitored by committees drawn from the various benefitting groups.

He said: “The strategic goal of this programme is to reach 500,000 vulnerable households in the state with staple food items using two methodologies – bulk food items (50kg Rice, 50kg Garri and 100kg Beans) for groups, and food boxes (10kg Rice, 5kg Garri, and 5kg Beans) for individual vulnerable households.

“The distribution to vulnerable households will be done through groups, institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Development Committees, People Living with Disability and Social Protection Department in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, using the Social Register of vulnerable persons in the state.

“This distribution will be phased among the various beneficiary groups for ease of the distribution process. In line with this plan, each group will be duly informed of the date for collection.

“Let me assure all Lagosians that we acknowledge the economic challenges being experience at this time.

“The policies being implemented right now by the Federal Government are difficult but necessary measures that must be taken to reposition our economy on the path of sustainable development and prosperity for all citizens. I, therefore, appeal for the continued understanding of all Lagosians, with the assurance that we will do everything within our capacity to implement measures that will cushion this temporary pain as we continue to initiate programmes and projects that will uplift our people and provide quality living conditions to all.”

The governor also announced the official commencement of commercial operations on the Blue Line Rail Mass Transit tomorrow.

He added that the 50 per cent reduction in BRT fare also applies to the train since the cowry card is used to access the service. Sanwo-Olu will take the inaugural ride.

Vice Chairman of Persons Living with Disability in the state, Mrs. Josephine Omolola, thanked the governor for always remembering them.

“Thank you for being a father with a golden heart, for giving referece and regards to our community. We are grateful,” she said.

Benefitting groups include Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), religious bodies (Christian, Muslim and traditionalists), Persons Living with Disability (PLWDs), Joint Negotiating Council, among others.