By Moses Adeniyi
The ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets, an initiative introduced by the Lagos State Government as part of response mechanisms to cushion recent hardship posed by strains in the economy of the Country, commenced on Sunday across the five divisions of Lagos.
As directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets, would sell food items across the five divisions of Lagos at discounted rates.
The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.
The food items to be sold include – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomato pepper, among others – will be sold at 25 percent discount to residents.
The selected food items and the fixed prices include, a 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225 while 1kg would sell for N1,245.
A voucher is being introduced for the pilot scheme to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians.
Delivering his speech at the event statement, the State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso said, “Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.”
According to him, “In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.”
It added that “Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225 while 1kg would sell for N1,245. Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets.”
Omotoso said, “Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government.”
Recall Sanwo-Olu had last month in a media chat titled “Sanwo Speaks” disclosed his Government was introducing a Sunday food market where food items would be sold at discounted rate of 25 percent discount.
The initiative is one among other palliative measures introduced by his government to cushion the biting hardship of the economy which has hit Nigerians, particularly since the discontinuation of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol by the President Bola Tinubu led government.
Other palliative measures announced by Sanwo-Olu include price slash on the State’s public transport system, free medical/delivery services, and also a review of the number of days for civil servant to physically work at the office, among others.