Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the smooth conduct of Lagosians at the Ounje Eko Sunday markets as they trooped out to buy various items at 25% less than the usual market prices.
For the second Sunday, many praised the government for the initiative, which they suggested should go on.
Governor Sanwo-Sanwo-Olu reports of calmness and orderliness at the markets despite the huge turnout of residents.
Sanwo-Olu made this known in a statement issued by Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho.
He said, “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 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.
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. 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. Today, the situation was calm as prospective buyers were orderly. Payment points ran smoothly at 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.
A resident, Mr. Babalola Onitire, who visited Ounje Eko Grammar school market in Ikorodu, said he could not access any product last week due to the rowdiness that characterised the process, but “I have come back today and I have had what I wanted for my family at low prices.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, who engaged market leaders at some of the markets, appreciated the vendors and buyers for their peaceful conduct.
The initiative continues next Sunday.