LASG Set To Commence Second Phase Of Ounje Eko Sept 1

The Lagos State Government is set to commence the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on the citizens, on Sunday September 1.

Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems while addressing newsmen at the Conference room of the ministry on Wednesday said that the programme aligns with Mr. Governor’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.

She said that the second phase will commence on the 1st of September 2024 and 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.
She pointed out that 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.

She further stated that 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.

“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.

“To ensure smooth operations, each market will be managed by a Market Leader, supported by 8 Ministry Staff, 4 representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, and 2 representatives from the LGA/LCDA, typically the Head of Department for Agriculture and the Supervisor. We will also receive support from volunteers and Local Government Chairmen” she said.

She explained that In collaboration 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 and equally added that no cash transactions will occur at any market location, enhancing accountability and convenience.

She further stated that for any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks.

“We have made provisions to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience at all market locations. Adequate seating, canopies, and convenience facilities will be available. For any issues or complaints, citizens should approach the Market Leader, who will be wearing a branded red reflective jacket, or other staff officials in branded lemon reflective jackets”she added.

The Commissioner in her words explained that in order to guarantee safety and orderliness, The Lagos State Government are engaging security and support personnel, including the Mobile Police, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), LASTMA for traffic management, Civil Defense, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for medical emergencies, and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for cleanliness during and after the market hours.