Ounje Eko: Residents flood discounted food markets in Lagos

Residents of Lagos state have flooded the designated food markets across the state as the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative begins.

The Lagos government had announced locations for discounted food markets in the state on March 16.

In a recent statement, Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, directed that the ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday.

He said the food items — rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others — will be sold at a 25 percent discount to residents.

The food markets would operate exclusively on Sundays from 11am to 4pm across 57 locations in the state.

A video shared on X, by a user who identified as TemitopeEbenez4, showed residents standing in long queues at an undisclosed market centre.

“The line is really long,” Temitope wrote.

Commending the state government, Olatunde, another user, wrote: “… I just returned from the Mosan Okunola centre in Alimosho. Less crowd and the orderliness was top-notch”.

“Kudos to the security agents on the ground. The officials are also wonderful. The market women were even thanking us for buying from them.”

Speaking on the commencement of the initiative, Jubril Gawat, media aide to the governor, said the ‘Ounje Eko’ programme was lauded by residents across the state.

“As I stated earlier, From observations at so many OunjeEko Markets today, The initiative received commendation from Lagosians from different parts of the State. This initiative is a pilot Scheme of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor jide Sanwoolu,” he posted.

“We have received reports from some centers too on better organisation and the feedback has been well taken. The OunjeEko Market is for real.”

Gawat said the initiative is a major palliative from the Lagos government.

On February 22, Lagos state announced a series of interventions to ameliorate the prevailing economic hardship on residents.

The interventions came amid the growing cost of living in Nigeria as inflation — mostly triggered by increasing food prices — surged to over 30 percent.

Sanwo-Olu had said the government would also be constructing four food hubs to proffer a new way of food distribution in the state and tackle rising food costs.