Sanwo-Olu: We’ll feed 100,000 youths daily to cushion effect of lockdown

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says the state government will feed 100,000 youths daily to cushion the effects of the lockdown on residents.

The governor made the announcement during a media briefing on Tuesday.

He said the exercise tagged, “Daily Food Kitchen Programme” will help to reduce hunger among youths who are unable to work as a result of the lockdown.

Sanwo-Olu said the state government has begun to identify local vendors who will assist in cooking and serving the meals.

“This is to also announce to you today, additional palliatives to our citizens which we believe will further ameliorate the inconvenience occasioned by this extended lockdown,” he said.

“In the first instance, in the next couple of days, we will commence what we call a ‘daily food kitchen programme’ which will be an attempt where on a daily basis we will be feeding about 100,000 youths.

“This, we believe, will meet some of the immediate challenges that we have seen on our streets. We are currently identifying local food vendors who will carry on this programme and ensure that the process of cooking and serving of these meals adhere strictly to health guidelines.”

Gov. @jidesanwoolu has announced a Daily Food Kitchen Programme to target 100,000 youths using local food vendors in their area to meet immediate needs of the people as an extra palliative measure.#ForAGreaterLagos #lockdown#LagosFoodRelief pic.twitter.com/npMDqATG6I

— Gboyega Akosile (@gboyegaakosile) April 14, 2020

The governor also said he had an emergency meeting with the heads of security agencies to review strategies on enhancing peace and security in the state.

Nigeria has recorded a total of 373 cases of COVID-19, out of which 99 persons have recovered, but with 11 fatalities recorded.

Lagos alone has recorded more than half of the total number of COVID-19 cases across the country — with 214 cases.