Wale Jagun & Bolu Orebajo (SIWES Student)
The management and staff of the Lagos State University and Science University (LASUSTECH) and residents of its host communities, have welcomed the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market, as a welcome intervention from the government.
The Ikorodu main campus of the institution, yesterday, Friday, September 6, 2024, hosted first of the special campus sales that would continue every Friday for the next eight weeks.
Prof. Abiodun Denloye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Academics, launched the discount market on behalf of the Vice- Chancellor, on the University Convocation ground, Ikorodu Campus.
At the market Rice 5kg was sold at N7500, 2,5kg at N3750; Beans at 5kg sold at N12,700 and 2,5kg at 6, 350; Garri 5kg at N5500 and 2.5kg at 2750, while Tomatoes 1kg at N1500 and Atarodo 1kg at N3000 among others.
This initiative is part of Lagos State Government broader efforts to provide relief for residents, particularly in the area of food security.
Mr Lanre Kuye, Director of Information & Publicity, LASUSTECH, who spoke with our reporter in his office on Friday, described the initiative as a good development that will bring relief to staff and members of the communities hosting the university.
“It is a good development, if you look at the theme agenda of the state government. This is good, especially now that there is food problem.
“Whatever you buy, you have discount of 25percent. Let me tell you for example, we do buy a crate of egg for #5000. Here, it is #3600. This is a good development and it is going to continue here for eight weeks.
“It will alleviate suffering of people here”, Mr Kuye said.
The LASUSTECH’s image maker pleaded with the government to extend the markey beyond eight weeks so that members of staff can enjoy the relief for a long time.
“Well, if you go there , you will see the rate at which our staff are rushing it. It means it is good. I wish government continues with it for a long time so as for our people to continue to benefit.
“Meanwhile, the policy of establishing this university includes community service. So, aside members of this university, we also have members of the communities surrounding the university and others also coming to purchase.
“We are feeling the impact of government, positively . I think this is good but I also think this should continue for some time”, he said.
The Director of LASUSTECH information, who also spoke on the just concluded examinations, said that the just concluded examinations in the university went well.
“Well, you know it is a new university, and the conduct was superb. Even the Vice Chancellor was going round to see things himself. I was equally going round the examination venues too. It was perfect, it was serene, and the students behaved well.
“We have no problem and we hope it will continue that way. By next month, we would be getting to 300level. We are getting there”, Mr Kuye said.
Mrs Taiwo Maria, a civil servant who was at the market to make some purchase, also commended the initiative, but observed that some of the prices of the items were the same with what are obtainable at the normal market.
“Some prices are okay, but there are still some that I think are high, because they are same thing with the prices that we usually buy at the normal markets.
“There is discount on the eggs, pepper and tomatoes, but it is the same prices that we are buying garri and beans at the normal market that they are offering. The same thing with rice.
“Generally, the market is okay and we look forward to improvements”, she said.
A security personnel, Mr Adikwu Edwin, described the initiative as a welcome idea, especially during this time of serous economic challenges.
“It is a very good one, considering the economic situation that is happening in the country now. With this initiative from the government, it is a very good one. We welcome it and personally, I welcome it.
“It is a very good way of alleviating people’s sufferings. I hope it continues like this across the state, so that everybody will feel the dividends of democracy and good governance”, he said.
As reported earlier, the market will run for the next eight Fridays, commencing from September 6th, 2024, till Friday, October 25, 2024, between 10am till 5pm, at LASUSTECH and other higher institutions across the state
