Kunle Adelabu
-Commences Sept. 1
The Lagos State Government has announced that the second phase of the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market will commence September 1, 2024, adding that the success of the first phase and requests from Lagosians, made the Governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo – Olu, to grant approval.
The discounted market will operate for eight weeks across 64 centres.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Foods System, Ms Abisola Olusanya, while making the announcement on Wednesday, also revealed the process of buying food items at the designated markets across the state.
Food items that will available at the markets 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.
Olusanya made the revelation at a press conference held at the conference of the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods System.
“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).
“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”, Commissioner Olusanya.
Speaking on the steps that residents will have to follow in buying food items at various centres, the Honourable Commissioner said:
“Upon arrival at your chosen market location, kindly follow these steps:
“Locate the banner displaying the prices of food items and their discounted rates at the entrance to the market.
“Follow the queue and sits in the designated seating area.
“At your turn, proceed to the payment point for the specific food item you wish to purchase, each with its own banner.
“Use your ATM card to make the payment.
“Ensure your receipt indicates “approved” and carries the name “Ounje Eko.” For any declined but debited transactions, please, contact your bank.
“Collect your food voucher immediately upon payment approval.
“Redeem your food items at the corresponding food stand by presenting your voucher”, she unveiled.
The Commissioner stated that the government will be engaging 6000 personnel and over 3000 businesses, adding that each market will be overseen by the a leader with others to ensure smooth operations.
“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 stated that the government will be collaborating with Payment Service Providers and various security apparatus to bring seamless operations and safety at the designated centres.
While stating that the designated centres across the state are temporary, the Commissioner stated that the Lagos State government intends to sustain the discount market idea as part of food security agenda when the food hub like the one in Mushin is replicated across the state.
She also added that to ensure the smooth running in the next eight weeks, the government has been engaging personnel that will supervise and serve at various centres.
“This is a pilot system and it is very possible for the government to intervene in the pricing of foods .This is something that we can sustain in years to come.
“In the last couple of weeks, training had commenced for those that are going to be involved in Ounje Eko. They have undergone customers’ training that was actually led by the private sector which we engaged to speak with our people; teach and train them on how to handle customers related issues.
“Aside that, we have Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) for market leaders, team leaders, accountants, auditors and for the payment solution providers and the general mark SOP on market should run”, she said.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, commended journalists on the reportage of the first phase of the food intervention, and urged them to assist the government in providing adequate coverage for the next phase.
Lagosians are enjoined to get more details on Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems website at www.lagosagric.com or follow the ministry’s social media handle:Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook—at Ounje_Eko Lagos.
