…20 more MDAs to be on-boarded
LAGOS, Nigeria – In its unwavering effort at strengthening inclusive governance, the Lagos State Government is set to enhance the CitizensGate App with multilingual features, making it more accessible to the residents of Lagos.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, during the Ministerial Press Briefing of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, in commemoration of the 6th year in office of Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Dr. Afolabi said that the app, which is designed to bridge the communication gap between Government and residents of Lagos, will now support indigenous languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and French alongside English. This enhancement, he added, is aimed at making the platform more inclusive and accessible, and catering to the multi-ethnic groups that make up the residents of Lagos.
The Special Adviser further revealed that plans are also in place to significantly increase the platform’s capacity, enabling more agencies to respond directly to citizens’ concerns faster, more efficiently, and in real time. Hence, 20 additional Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will be on-boarded on the platform, bringing the total number of MDAs on the platform to 120.Speaking on other activities of the Office, the Special Adviser also revealed that Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has remained steadfast and committed in his support of the ongoing “Sanwo-Olu Listens” Social Intervention Programme.In his words: “Mr. Governor has been supporting this programme since its launch in the year 2020.
As at now, a total number of 8,690 beneficiaries have benefited from this programme. I can assure you that we are already conducting verification for the new set of beneficiaries and, in due time, they will be called to come for their cheques.”He added that the programme, which directly supports indigent residents of Lagos with financial aid, has remained a symbol of inclusive governance, restoring dignity and rekindling hope across the State.
Further rendering an account of the Office’s stewardship, Dr. Afolabi said that in a strategic move to combat maternal and neonatal health challenges, the Office has been able to assist 6,280 indigent pregnant women with nutritional needs under the Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) programme.He explained that during the initial launch of the programme in 2021, the annual programme was held at Public Health Centres (PHCs), but in order to reach more women and with the creation of the Lagos State Six Health Districts, the programme was held at the health districts across the state.
He added that by ensuring that these expectant mothers have access to the nutritious food that they need, the State Government is not just supporting them, but also securing the future of Lagos.
Appreciating Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr. Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, the Special Adviser said that the Office will remain committed in its mission to foster a politically aware, civically responsible, and harmonious society where the voice of every Lagos resident is being heard.
Also at the press briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, and Heads of Departments and Units from the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic engagement.
