The Lagos State Government has promised to address all concerns raised by market leaders and other major stakeholders participating in the ongoing Ounje Ejo 25% Sunday Market, which holds at various centres across the state
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, made this known during a strategic meeting with market leaders at the Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.
She explained that the purpose of the forum was to gather regular feedback from major stakeholders for prompt intervention, emphasizing that their responsibility is to ensure customers are treated well.
Olusanya noted that the government had initiated various programmes to boost food production, and the large crowds at the different centres reflected the public’s acceptance of the initiative.
According to the commissioner, crowd management is a shared responsibility. She also commended some members of the House of Assembly for stepping in to assist at critical moments.
The Commissioner highlighted that the government had executed a buy-back programme from some vendors during the first phase of the initiative, which began in March. She added that the second phase, which started on September 1, is still a work in progress.
She further explained that the start of the new school term could be partly responsible for the shortage of items at some centres, as vendors have to divide their supplies between the markets and the schools.
Olusanya assured stakeholders that the government has taken steps to address reports of delays in vendor payments, ensuring that the 25% discount enjoyed by residents is not compromised. She also mentioned that the payment reconciliation process had been improved.
She acknowledged the collaboration with security agencies, including the police, Neighbourhood Watch, KAI, and LAWMA, noting that while their efforts have been encouraging, addressing issues as they arise remains challenging.
The Commissioner disclosed that the extension of the Ounje Eko programme to tertiary institutions has been well-received. However, she noted that the state requires more personnel to open additional centres.
Earlier, the Director of Agricultural Services in Isolo Local Government, Mr. Raji Olusegun, drew the Commissioner’s attention to challenges with crowd control, adding that more residents are storming the centers to purchase food items than the available supply.
He, however, commended the state government for initiating the programme to alleviate the suffering of the people following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Mallam Abubakar, a rice vendor from Lagos Mainland, also expressed his satisfaction with the program but called for quicker disbursement of funds to vendors to ensure the timely provision of food items for sale.
He further urged the government to enhance security around the centers due to the large number of residents coming to purchase food, as well as the presence of individuals with malicious intent.
Sadiq Aremu, speaking on behalf of the Youth Council from the Ojokoro area, encouraged the state to focus more on food production, given the increasing demand for consumable goods.
He also urged the state government to plan beyond the current challenges, warning that the recent floods affecting parts of the country and international conflicts could further escalate the global food crisis.
The second phase of the eight-week Ounje Eko initiative, where residents purchase food items such as rice, beans, yam flour, garri, pepper, eggs, and yams at a 25% discount, has now entered its fifth week.
