Dear Mr. Governor,
Empowering Lagos: Collaborative Solutions for a Resilient Future
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for hosting the media parley, “SANWO-OLU SPEAKS.”
Your efforts to reach and engage with Lagosians and provide insight into your administration’s accomplishments
as well as your proposed palliatives to Lagosians during this most challenging season are commendable.
Over the past four years and eight months of your tenure as Governor of Lagos State, your efforts in addressing various challenges and implementing impactful initiatives have also not gone unnoticed.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the palliative measures you highlighted during the parley. The initiatives such as the 25% fare reduction on LASG BRT Services, Trains, and Ferry Services, the implementation of a 3-day work week for civil servants and the introduction of Sunday morning markets with subsidised food are significant steps towards providing relief to Lagosians.
Additionally, measures such as free child delivery services and efforts to transport food shipments from the north demonstrate a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the people of Lagos.
However, as we reflect on these palliatives, it is clear that there remains a need for further action, particularly to support the most vulnerable members of our society. Widows, single mothers, the aged, and persons living with disabilities are among those who require targeted assistance during these challenging times.
Therefore, I would like to offer some additional suggestions for palliatives and solutions:
Expanded Support for Vulnerable Groups: Implement targeted assistance programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of widows, single mothers, the aged and persons living with disabilities. This could include financial assistance, access to healthcare services and support for livelihood initiatives.
Community-based Support Systems:
Establish community-based support systems to provide essential services and resources to vulnerable populations at the grassroots level. This could involve collaboration with local NGOs, community leaders, and religious organisations to ensure effective delivery of assistance.
Awareness and Outreach Campaigns:
Launch awareness and outreach campaigns to educate Lagosians about available support services and how to access them. This includes providing information in local languages and utilising various communication channels to reach diverse audiences.
Empowerment Programs:
Develop empowerment programs aimed at building the capacity and resilience of vulnerable groups to overcome socio-economic challenges. This could include skills training, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship opportunities.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Ensure that all palliative measures and support services are accessible and inclusive, taking into account the diverse needs and circumstances of Lagosians, including those with disabilities.
Financial Literacy and Citizen Engagement: Promote financial literacy among Lagosians to foster a better understanding of government budgets, allocations and expenditures. Enhance citizen engagement through grassroots, online, and mobile platforms to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
In conclusion, Mr. Governor, I want to emphasise that these suggestions are offered in the spirit of collaboration and collective effort to address the pressing needs of all Lagosians. Your leadership and commitment to the welfare of Lagosians are deeply appreciated, and I am confident that together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a more resilient and inclusive Lagos State.
Thank you once again for your dedication and service to our beloved state.
Yours sincerely,
For & on behalf of the People of Lagos
Henry Balogun [HB]
Founder, IBILE Foundation Lagos
