In a bid to alleviate the burden of rising food prices on its residents, the Lagos State Government has announced the inauguration of ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets.
These markets, set to commence operations from Sunday, March 17, 2024, will provide essential food items at discounted rates across the state.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, who emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that staple food items remain accessible to all Lagosians.
The markets will offer a significant 25% discount on a range of essential commodities including rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper.
To ensure transparency and prevent any form of exploitation, a voucher system will be introduced as part of the pilot scheme.
This system aims to streamline the distribution process and guarantee that the discounted food items reach a wide segment of the population.
Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been meticulously selected to operate within the framework of the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative.
These vendors will not only facilitate transactions but also provide real-time data to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation of the program’s impact.
In addition to announcing the discount percentages, the Commissioner also unveiled the price list for some of the key food items. For instance, a 5kg bag of rice will be available for N5,325, with 1kg priced at N1,065.
Similarly, a 5kg bag of beans will be sold at N6,225, while 1kg will cost N1,245. Detailed price lists for other essential food items will be disseminated through various media channels to ensure transparency and accountability.
The ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets will be operational across all five divisions of Lagos State, with specific locations designated for each division. Ikeja will host 27 markets, Lagos Island six, Ikorodu nine, Epe five, and Badagry ten.
This strategic distribution aims to ensure that residents from all corners of the state have easy access to discounted food supplies.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called upon all Lagosians to support this initiative by patronizing the ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets. He has urged residents to cooperate with the operators, monitor the process closely, and provide feedback through official channels.
The launch of the ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets underscores the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, particularly in times of economic strain.
By providing discounted essential food items, the government aims to mitigate the financial burden faced by many households and foster a more inclusive and resilient society.
As the program kicks off, all eyes will be on its implementation and impact, with hopes high for positive outcomes that will benefit the entire Lagos community.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
