Victor EzejaLagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has applauded the smooth conduct of residents during the “Ounjè Eko” Sunday markets held for the second time in the state yesterday.
The pilot scheme was designed by the state government to help residents buy foods items such as rice, beans, pepper, bread, eggs, and garri among others at 25 per cent less than the usual market prices.
The “Ounje Eko” Market pilot scheme, which opened on Sunday, March 17th in 57 centres across the five divisions of the State, is part of multi-sectoral measures rolled out by Governor Sanwo-Olu to cushion the effects of the economic hardship on Lagosians.
Many hailed the government for the initiative, which they suggested should go on.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who received reports of calmness and orderliness at the markets despite the huge turnout of residents, said his administration will country to find ways of easing the burden of residents of the state.
“It is all about assuring Lagosians that our administration will continue to stand by them. We will continue to find and deploy creative ways of easing their burden,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor praised the Special Dispensation Advisory Committee on Social Interventions (SPEDAC), an eleven-man, non-partisan body set up to advise the government on various interventions, for its support on all the initiatives, which will soon be fully rolled out.
According to the Commissioner, “all the measures come under the umbrella of EKO CARES. The others are in the health, transportation, and education sectors.
“The market at its debut last week had some hitches, but most of the identified inadequacies have since been corrected.
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“Today (yesterday Sunday), the situation was calm as prospective buyers were orderly. Payment points ran smoothly in the cashless markets.
“Reports gathered at various markets show that sales started earlier than last week, as local food vendors arrived early – to the delight of customers.
“Although the prices of the products varied according to area, residents were full of praise for the idea.
“To prevent reselling, double-buying and ensure that all buyers were served, children who came with their parents were not allowed to purchase food items while preference was given to the aged, expectant women and people living with disabilities.
“On sale were rice, beans, pepper, bread, eggs, gari and others.”
The statement quoted a resident, Mr. Babalola Onitire, who visited Ounje Eko Grammar school market in Ikorodu, saying that he could not access any product the previous week when it started due to the rowdiness that characterised the process but was able to get all he wanted upon his return yesterday Sunday.
“I have come back today and I have had what I wanted for my family at low prices,” the statement quoted Onitire saying.
It added that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, engaged market leaders at some of the markets, and appreciated the vendors and buyers for their peaceful conduct.
The scheme continues next Sunday.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
