Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government area of Lagos, inaugurated the Kosofe Food Bank Initiative on Tuesday, August 8, by distributing essential food items to 5000 beneficiaries.
Diverging from the norm of subsidizing food items, Ogunlewe’s food package, which included Rice, Beans, Garri, and more, was distributed completely free of charge to the recipients.
The initiative holds particular significance in the wake of the recent removal of the fuel subsidy, amplifying the challenges faced by many.
Hon. Ogunlewe revealed that the idea of the Kosofe Food Bank had been conceived prior to the subsidy removal, reflecting his commitment to supporting the grassroots population. “I’ve always wanted to do it before the situation of fuel subsidy,” he mentioned during an interaction with journalists at the Kosofe Local Government Secretariat. “It’s called the Kosofe Food Bank, which means that people within the grassroots will benefit from whatever they’re doing in the council. And it’s a launch of the Kosofe Food Bank as well.”
The first phase of the initiative catered to 5000 residents, including vulnerable individuals, aged men and women, and youth. Hon. Ogunlewe further announced that this exercise would become a monthly occurrence, ensuring a sustained effort to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.
He detailed the broader vision, stating, “So this is going to be happening in the special grace of God every month. It’s also an initiative we’re going to do, that is the Kosofe House to House Food Bank as well. We’re going to different houses within the local government and giving them food, providing them food as long as it can, reaching out to as many people as they can.”
The initiative earned heartfelt gratitude from thousands of beneficiaries, as well as Hon. Segun Babatunde, the Chairman of the Kosofe Committee Development Committee. He emphasized the importance of such gestures of support, especially during these challenging times. He noted, “The initiative of the executive chairman was to give succor to vulnerable people which is highly welcomed by members of the Kosofe Community amidst hardship in the country.” He urged other levels of government to similarly provide aid to ease the burdens faced by the masses.
Babatunde urged residents to fulfill their tax obligations, as government expenditures are funded by taxpayers’ contributions. He encouraged residents to “pay their taxes and they should always pray for the Executive Chairman and the country at large.”
Furthermore, Babatunde highlighted a potential solution to the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
He suggested the provision of free school bus rides for students across Kosofe, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to addressing the impact of recent changes in government policy.