It has now in the open, the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, has said that the ‘Ounje Eko’ food market initiative was suspended due to manipulations by participating vendors.
Yishawu made this known at the 11th Eti-Osa Constituency 02 Town hall meeting in Lagos, which was part of the 9th constituency stakeholders’ meeting held simultaneously across all 40 constituencies in the state.
According to Yishawu, the government designed the initiative to provide subsidised food for residents. However, it was being exploited by people who manipulated the system to their own advantage.
“The initiative was meant to help people buy what they needed and then return when necessary. Unfortunately, the system was hijacked, undermining the government’s effort to subsidise residents,” Yishawu said.
Despite the suspension, Yishawu assured attendees that the government was redesigning the process to ensure its fair and effective implementation before the programme returns.
Earlier, a participant at the meeting, Mr. Tunde Aremu, a teacher and member of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, expressed disappointment over the programme’s suspension but praised the government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on residents.
“The ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative was a relief, especially when food scarcity and lack of funds are major issues across Nigeria. Unfortunately, the system was abused, but the government’s efforts are commendable,” Aremu stated.
Aremu urged Lagosians to be more responsible, noting that the abuse of such initiatives undermines the government’s ability to help those in need.
“In Nigeria, we often criticise the government, but governance starts with us. If we don’t control our excesses, the government’s efforts won’t be able to reach everyone,” he added, calling for patriotism and constructive engagement.
