LASG TO RESTART ‘OUNJE EKO’ INITIATIVE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

… Extends Gestures to Educational Institutions 

Lagos State government has announced the commencement of the  Phase II of the Food Discount Markets ‘Ounje Eko’ programme, on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Speaking at a press conference held recently in Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said that the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives. 

Olusanya explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the expansion of the second phase of the initiative as a result of requests 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 a 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions.

Olusanya said, “The second phase of Ounje Eko’ will run for eight 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, two loaves of Bread, one crate of Eggs, 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 added. 

To enhance accountability and convenience, the Commissioner mentioned that all transactions will possibly be digitised, urging residents to be orderly at respective markets as adequate security will be provided to ensure hitch-free transactions throughout the period.

Olusanya also emphasised the need for residents to note that prices of the food items have increased over the past few months 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, I 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 the government has engaged all stakeholders that will participate in the process, from the food vendors, payment service providers, market leaders, and volunteers among others, while reassuring residents of a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso added that the initiative was returned by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu because it was adjudged successful by the residents.

Omotoso said that in the coming years, the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu will open more opportunities for residents to better their lots and urged journalists not to rest on their oars in publicising the initiative so that more residents will benefit from it. 

Recall that the first phase of ‘Ounje Eko Market’ 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.