SEYI TAIWO-OGUNTUASE
Lagos State Government has assured Lagosiansthat provisions have been made to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience at all the market locations as phase II of Ounje Eko kicks off on Sunday, September 1.
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems gave the assurance while addressing newsmen on the commencement of the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on the citizens.
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, LekkiPhase 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.
“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.
“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, according to her, each market will be managed by a Market Leader, supported by eight Ministry Staff, four representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, and two representatives from the LGA/LCDA, typically the Head of Department for Agriculture and the Supervisor and also receive support from volunteers and Local Government Chairmen.
She emphasised that all transactions will be digitalized and be done 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.
She said that as much as possible cash transactions would not be encouraged at any market location to enhance accountability and convenience.
“For any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks.
Speaking further on providing a comfortable atmosphere, she said 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.
“To guarantee safety and orderliness, we 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.
Upon arrival at your chosen market location according to her, visitors are advised to locate the banner displaying the prices of food items and their discounted rates at the entrance to the market, follow the queue and sit in the designated seating area, proceed to the payment point for the specific food item one wish to purchase, each with its own banner.
She also urged the visitors to use their ATM card to make the payment and ensure that the receipt indicates “approved” and carries the name “Ounje Eko” and that for any declined but debited transactions, should contact their bank.
She added that beyond providing food items at discounted prices, Mr. Governor is engaging approximately 6,000 personnel and over 3,000 businesses to supply food items, transportation, logistics, and other necessities.
“This will ensure the smooth operation of the markets and further bolster our local economy. We are confident that this initiative will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Lagosians, and we encourage everyone to participate diligently and actively,” she said.
