By Adekunle Williams
The Lagos Mainland Local Government in Lagos State has provided food and cash supports to 500 elders as part of the palliative across the communities in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Mr Jubriel Emilagba, made this known at the second edition of the empowerment programme for elders in Lagos on Tuesday.
Emilagba said beneficiaries received 10kg bag of rice, wheat, one carton of noodles and N50,000 cash each to support them financially.
He said the initiative stood as a testament to the council’s commitment to ensuring that the voices and needs of the elderly were heard and met.
The chairman said the beneficiaries were selected across wards without any political affiliation in the area.
Emilagba explained that the second edition reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of residents across generations.
He said: “This is a special occasion to celebrate the life of those whose sacrifices, wisdom and dedication have laid the foundation upon which generation continues to strive.
“To our beloved elders, you are neither forgotten, abandoned nor a burden but you are a treasure to the communities in the area.
“The Lagos mainland people are proud of today because of your sacrifices, resilience and contribution.
“Today our attention is focused on the elders, you have spent your productive years building families, communities and institutions
“Whatever we do today is in many ways in modest expression of our gratitude to yesterday’s sacrifices.
“As we celebrate you we reaffirm our dedication to continue support initiative that promote your dignitries while being in happiness.”
Emilagba said his commitment had always been to meet governance felt not only in infrastructure, but also in the daily life and welfare of the people.
“This commitment has informed several interventions designed to put food on the tables, promote every living and support families through the Ounje Emi Initiative for phase one to phase12.”
Emilagba said his administration had continue to provide food support to residents particularly at a time when families need helping hands.
He said the council’s free health care programme brought essential medical services to the people because he believed health was wealth and asset to healthcare.
The chairman said he had also remained committed to education and the future of the children.
Also speaking, Mr Kazeem Omolaja, APC Candidate for the House of Representatives, Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, said the initiative was laudable and timely.
Omolaja said it was not the first time while praying that it would not be the last time.
One of the beneficiaries, Pa Adebola Adekunle, thanked the chairman for supporting them with foods and cash.
Adekunle urged the people of the area to canvass for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for second term, so as to continue with the various economic reforms he had started.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed some physical activities like dancing competition by the elders.
The first three best dancers received a deep freezer, sewing machine and gas cooker respectively.
The programme was attended by the council’s Vice-Chairman, Mr Wale Momoh; Council Leader, Mr Azeez Oloto; Council Manager, Mr Oluwafemi Ojikutu and the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr Rafiu Salami.
Others were councillors, supervisors, party leaders, management team and City Boy Coordinator, Dr Bashiru Bisoye Emilagba, among others. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu