By Damilare Adeleye
The Lagos State government has announced indefinite suspension of its Food Discount Markets initiative tagged ‘OUNJE EKO’ across all tertiary institutions in the State.
The suspension was announced in a statement addressed to all campus directors, faculty directors and departmental representatives by Adekunle Adedeji, the Director-General of Eko-Bulletin.
Sparklight News understands that Eko-Bulletin is a department in Lagos State Ministry Of Information & Strategy.
The statement, however, assured that the closure would be temporary.
“Dear lagosians, it’s with deep regret that we announce the temporary closure of the OUNJE EKO initiative across all tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
“This decision was made after a brief meeting between the HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE and all center coordinators and assistant coordinators.
“Kindly understand that this closure is temporary and will continue as soon as possible,” the statement read.
In August, Lagos State government announced that the Phase II of the Food Discount Markets ‘Ounje Eko’ programme would commence on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said that the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.
Olusanya explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the expansion of the second phase of the initiative as a result of requests from the public, stressing that with food inflation reaching 40.9%, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households, the initiative would address the gaps.
She maintained that at the 64 locations designed for the markets, citizens will enjoy a 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions.
Olusanya said, “The second phase of Ounje Eko’ will 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)”.
“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. The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for Rice, Beans, and Garri, two loaves of Bread, one crate of Eggs, 2kg of Tomatoes, and 1kg each for Pepper, Tatashe, and Onion per individual.
“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” she added.