Lagos State government will commence the Phase ll of the Food Discount Markets ‘Ounje Eko’, on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
This according to the government is to ensure sustainable and affordable food and to allow residents of Lagos purchase food items at lower prices.
The Ounje Eko Market Phase l started on Sunday, March 17 in five divisions of the State and it was part of measures rolled out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to alleviate the impact of rising food prices on Lagosians.
The temporary markets operated on Sundays to provide selected food items at a 25% discount and it had reached over 250,000 beneficiaries across the State.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said that the programme aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.
Olusanya explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the expansion of the Phase ll of the initiative as a result of requ
ests from the public, stressing that with food inflation reaching 40.9%, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households, the initiative would address the gaps.
She maintained that at the 64 locations designed for the markets, citizens will enjoy 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions.
The programme
‘This second phase of Ounje Eko’ will run for 8 weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University of Education (_LASUED), and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).’
‘The markets will operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Markets at the Alausa Secretariat and the institutions, such as UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED, and LASUTH, will take place on Fridays while the market for Mushin LGA, to be held at the Fresh
Food Hub in Idi-Oro, will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.’
‘The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for Rice, Beans, and Garri, 2 loaves of Bread, 1 crate of Egg, 2kg of Tomatoes, and 1kg each for Pepper, Tatashe, and Onion per individual.’
‘Beyond providing food items at discounted prices, Mr. Governor is engaging approximately 6,000 personnel and over 3,000 businesses to supply food items, transportation, logistics, and other necessities. This will ensure the smooth operation of the markets and further bolster our local economy.’ she said
Price disparity
To enhance accountability and convenience, the Commissioner mentioned that all transactions will possibly be digitalized, as she urged residents to be orderly at respective markets, as security arrangements have been made to ensure hitch free transactions throughout the period.
Olusanya also emphasized the need for residents to note that prices of the food items have increased over the past few mo
nths which varied from one location to another.
She said ‘For instance, a 50kg bag of local Rice (short grain) sells for 75,000 Naira in Ikeja and Lagos Island, 68,000 Naira in Badagry, and 70,000 Naira in Ikorodu. Therefore, to accommodate these disparities, the prices of food items sold at each market location will align with the prevailing local market prices, as the items will be sold by local vendors. Moreover, | would like to clarify that a paint bucket of Rice, weighing approximately 3.8kg, is smaller than a 5kg bag. This distinction is crucial for individuals who may confuse a paint bucket for a 5kg measure.’
She added that government has engaged all stakeholders that will participate in the process, from the food vendors, payment service providers, market leaders, volunteers among others, while reassuring residents of a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
More opportunities
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso added that the initiative was returned by Governor Baba
jide Sanwo-Olu because it was adjuded successful by the residents, stressing that government will open more opportunities for residents to enjoy to better their lots.
He also asked journalists to watch out for fake news that can erode the implementation of other initiatives by the state government to improve the economic conditions of the citizens.
Source: Voice of Nigeria