In its efforts to allow the Local Government Councils understand what the newly introduced Cash Transfer initiative entails and key into the programme, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke has embarked on enlightenment and sensitisation campaign tours of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas involved in the first phase of the ongoing Cash Transfer programme in the State.
Speaking during the tour of the Council Areas, the Commissioner urged the personnel to embrace the initiative, saying that the cash transfer programme will, in the long run, reduce some financial burdens on the local authorities.
She disclosed that enrollment of the would-be beneficiaries of the scheme had since taken effect, following the successful completion of the four-day training exercise of some local government officials for the Conditional Cash Transfer in April.
Mrs. Arobieke said, “Extending the Federal Government’s initiative, aimed at alleviating the standard of living of the poor masses in the country, including Lagos State, is a gesture that will further boost the economic viability of our dear State and uplift the vulnerable households in Lagos”.
She commended the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the realisation of the programme, especially his insistence that the training exercise must hold in Lagos, to ensure residents benefit from the Federal Government’s initiative as soon as possible.
While expressing her satisfaction with the training sessions carried out in April, Arobieke disclosed that despite the fact that 33 states in Nigeria have already keyed into the initiative, leaving only Lagos and two other states behind, the coming on board of Lagos State portends greater opportunities and privileges for residents of the State provided they comply with all conditions prescribed by the Federal government.
Responding, the Chairmen of some of the councils visited thanked the State Government for its commitment to the cash transfer programme being institutionalised in the State. They promised to embrace the programme, support it and give all necessary backing to ensure it succeeds in the State.
The Local Councils so far visited by the Commissioner and her team include Amuwo Odofin, OriAde LCDA, Apapa LGA, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lekki LCDA, Lagos Island East LCDA and Lagos Island LGA, among others.
