Lagos To Begin 2nd Phase Discounted Food Sales, Sept 1

Lagos State Government has begin plans to commence the second phase of the “Ounje Eko” Sunday Food Markets operating at 25 per cent discount from September 1, 2024.

The move aimed at providing alternative to residents against rising food prices in regular markets.

The markets will run for eight weeks across the 57 councils consisting of 20 Local Goverment Area, LGA, and 37 Local Council Development Area, LCDA.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Ms Abisola Olusanya and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this at a media briefing to herald the second phase II of the programme, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Earlier 2024, the 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 per cent discount.

According to the state government, the 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.

On the second phase citizens across Lagos will also benefit a 25 per cent discount on a variety of food items.

“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I announce 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, Olusanya stated.

According to her, “With food inflation reaching 40.9 per cent 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 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).”

Olusanya explained that 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.