The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has disbursed a total of ₦30 million to 300 residents in the second phase of the Apapa Constituency Residents’ Palliative Economic Generic Data (ACREPEGED) initiative, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
This is the second phase of the distribution. During the first phase, 300 residents got N30,000.
Speaking during the disbursement ceremony held at the council headquarters in Apapa on Thursday, Senbanjo said the intervention was designed to support residents across the grassroots, irrespective of political or group affiliations.
“We are not going to beg you, but if you know that you want it, come. We are not doing carcass, we are not doing group, we are not doing party. If you are a Nigerian, you are part and parcel of this palliative,” she said.
She explained that each of the 300 beneficiaries received ₦100,000, noting that the programme forms part of a broader plan to reach 4,000 residents over a period of 11 to 12 months.
“Now, as I said, we are giving 4,000 people ₦100,000 each. And this will continue for the next 11, 12 months. We have already done phase one and this is phase two, which means we have now reached 600 people,” she stated.
The council boss noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing federal efforts to ease economic pressure on citizens, adding that the local government would continue to explore additional avenues to support residents.
“For as long as Mr. President is giving us the subsidy, we will find one way or the other in different ways. It might not necessarily be this palliative, but we will find ways that the money and the benefits can get to other people in the grassroots,” she added.
Senbanjo highlighted the impact of the programme, citing instances where beneficiaries utilised the funds for medical treatment and personal emergencies.
“Some people have used this for medical treatment. We have somebody who had a stroke. He’s a beneficiary of this, and the money was on time for him to use as part of his medical bill,” she said.
She also mentioned another beneficiary who, despite being unable to attend the event due to injury, had accessed support under the scheme.
“We had another person who had an injury in his hand, who was not able to come today, but he brought evidence that he had injury in his hand. He has been a beneficiary of today’s, this second phase of our palliative,” she noted.
The chairman expressed optimism that beneficiaries would help spread awareness of the initiative, noting that the programme reflects the council’s commitment to improving the welfare of residents.
“It will continue, and we hope that these 4,000 people will also go about to spread the word that in Apapa Local Government, we are working for the people,” she said.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support, which she said has enabled the local government to implement the initiative effectively.
“And also, we also want to thank our governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has also been very supportive in all that we do with the local government. He has not done anything to hinder us from collecting our money or anything,” she said.
The ACREPEGED programme is part of the Apapa Local Government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate economic hardship and enhance the livelihoods of residents at the community level.