By Dare Ojelade, Lagos
A total of 20,000 residents of Lagos state will benefit from the Federal Government’s extended Special Public Works programme, reports The Gazelle News.com.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Special Public Works programme, Alhaji Mutiu Are disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday, 27 January, 2021 in Lagos
Alhaji Are spoke at the official launch of the Lagos State chapter of the programme which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
According to him, the 20,000 beneficiaries were picked at a rigorous screening process.
“Each of the 20 local governments has 1000 beneficiaries each and overall, it is 774,000 throughout the country, 1000 for each local government throughout the country,” Alhaji Are said.
He stated that the programme was initiated to cushion the negative effects of Covid-19 pandemic on Nigerians.
“The response of Nigerians to the programme was tremendous and a clear indication of their acceptance and support for the programme,” he said.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government for the initiative saying it would go a long in reducing poverty in the country.
“This is a laudable programme and I know it will go a long way in reducing poverty in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity. The working tools for the beneficiaries were later commissioned by the Deputy Governor on behalf of the Governor.