The Lagos State Government has said its welfare package initiative is designed to cater for the indigent and the vulnerable amid the coronavirus lockdown.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso in reaction to criticisms greeting the distribution of the welfare packages on social media platforms.
The statement read, “It has become necessary to reiterate the modus of distribution of the welfare package as well as the category of beneficiaries of the government’s compassionate gesture, which is deliberately being distorted by mischief-makers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the first stage of the welfare package was designed to cater for 200,000 households, comprising of a father, mother and four children across the 20 local governments and the 37 local council development authorities. It is a misconception that it was meant for all Lagosians. No.
“All aged residents who are above 60 years old and registered with the Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency, LASRRA, were sent text messages and requested to confirm the accuracy of their details, such as name and home address. They have since responded to the text messages so as to benefit from the package.
“The food relief materials for the above 60 group are being delivered directly to the beneficiaries by representatives of the State Government based on the data with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency.”
Mr Omotosho stated that the government is constantly monitoring the process and has observed some lapses that gave rise to the negative comments on some social media platforms.
He assured that such issues are being addressed in a bid to ensure that the intended recipients of the welfare package get them.
He further noted that about 100,000 households across the State have been reached since the exercise started.
