Lagos State Govt To Commence 2nd Phase of 25% Discounted "Ounje Eko" On Sept. 1st .

By Yomi Durojaye 

...To run for 8-Weeks in all 57 LGA/LCDA including Education Institutions and others

M- Hon. Commissioner for Agric & Food Systems, Hon. Ms. Abiola Olusanya, L- Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho and Perm. SEC, Min. Of Agriculture & Food Systems Mr. Emmanuel 

The  Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has announced 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 Mr. Governor's commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.

In a press briefing at the Ministry office, the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said, "Earlier this year, the Lagos State Government successfully implemented the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market Phase I. This project was established across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of Lagos State, including Alausa, Secretariat and Lekki Phase I. These temporary markets operated on Sundays to provide selected food items at a 25% discount. This initiative, held over six editions, reached over 250,000 beneficiaries across the State, ensuring essential food items were accessible to all citizens, regardless of economic constraints. 

"Citizens across Lagos enjoyed 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions. 

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, Mr. Governor has decided to expand and enhance this initiative.

"With food inflation reaching 40.9%, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households, and its attendant social implications, Mr. Governor approved the implementation of the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market Phase II. This second phase will commence on the 1st of September 2024 and 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).

She stated that, The markets would  operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. on Sundays, 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. 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. 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. 

To ensure smooth running of trade transactions, the ministry would collaborate with Payment Service Providers such as Money Master PSB by GLO, MoMo PSB by MTN, Smartcash PSB by Airtel, Palmpay, Hydrogen by Access Bank, and Traction, all transactions will be digitalized. No cash transactions will occur at any market location, enhancing accountability and convenience. For any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks, she concluded.

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai , Top Ministry's Directors were among top dignitaries at the press briefing.