Since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, the Executive Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali (MNSE, MNATE), has sustained a monthly food palliative distribution programme designed to support vulnerable households across the council.
EpeInsights reports that the initiative, which began in direct response to the sharp rise in the cost of living, has now become a consistent welfare scheme for residents, particularly the elderly, widows and low-income families who bear the brunt of economic pressures.
Speaking during the August distribution, Engr. Kasali noted that the continuity of the programme underscores the council’s commitment to people-centred governance.
“Our administration recognises the daily struggles of our people, especially those with limited means. This food palliative programme is one of the ways we show that government is not distant—it is present, responsive, and committed to the wellbeing of every resident of Lekki LCDA,” he said.
A Lifeline for Households
Beneficiaries across various communities in Lekki received food items including staples such as rice, beans, garri, and other essentials. For many, the monthly intervention has become a reliable source of relief, easing the burden of household expenses amid persistent inflation.
Widows and senior citizens in particular have expressed gratitude for the consistency of the initiative, describing it as a “lifeline” during difficult times. Community leaders have also lauded the Chairman for maintaining the programme monthly for over two years without fail.
Beyond Palliatives
While food distributions remain a direct support measure, Engr. Kasali emphasised that the council is also exploring sustainable empowerment programmes that will reduce long-term dependence and help residents generate income. The food initiative, he explained, is part of a broader social intervention strategy that includes skills training, healthcare outreach, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Building a Caring Local Government
Observers note that Lekki LCDA’s palliative programme stands out for its consistency at a time when many similar interventions across the country have dwindled or become irregular. For the council leadership, sustaining the scheme month after month reflects a deliberate choice to prioritise human welfare alongside infrastructural development.
The Chairman reaffirmed that his administration would continue to balance development projects with social investments, ensuring that no resident is left behind.
