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The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the commencement of Phase II of its ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market on September 1.
The state Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this in a news conference on Wednesday at the Alausa Secretariat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the LASG successfully implemented Phase I of the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The temporary markets, which also took place at the Alausa, Secretariat and Lekki Phase I, operated on Sundays to provide selected food items at a 25 per cent discount.
Residents across Lagos enjoyed a 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions.
The commissioner said in a bid to further reduce the impact of high prices, the governor had approved the commencement of Phase II of the Ounje Eko market.
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we announce the commencement of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on our citizens.
“This programme aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagos residents through innovative and impactful initiatives.
“The success and wide acclaim of the first phase of the project have shown us the substantial impact such initiatives can have on improving the lives of our citizens.
“In response to numerous requests from the public, the governor has decided to expand and enhance this initiative,” the commissioner said.
Olusanya noted that the programme became more pertinent with food inflation reaching 40.9, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households, and its attendant social implications.
“This second phase will commence on Sept. 1, 2024 and will run for 8 weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Lagos State University (LASU).
“It will also take place at 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.
“However, the market for Mushin LGA will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro.
“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.
“It is important to note that the prices of these food items have increased over the past few months, varying from one location to another,” Olusanya said.
She also promised that the markets would operate seamlessly in collaboration with the necessary agencies.
