* distributes free tickets to constituents
Residents of Lagos were treated to a commendable initiative on Sunday as the “Ounje Eko” market was launched simultaneously across all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in the state.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who monitored the exercise, commended the Lagos State Government (LASG) for their efforts in organizing the market and providing discounted food items to residents.
Speaking to reporters at the old Nursing school Ground in Ikoyi, where the market was held, Yishawu expressed his appreciation for the State government’s interventions aimed at reducing transportation costs, healthcare expenses, and now ensuring affordable food is available within the community.
Yishawu described the programme as a laudable initiative with a large turnout of people and an abundance of quality foodstuffs.
As part of his support for the initiative, Yishawu also offered his constituents a free ticket worth N1,000 in addition to the 25 percent discount provided by the State government. He emphasized that this gesture was his way of contributing to ensuring that food is accessible to all residents within the market.
Yishawu assured his constituents that his team would be present every week to distribute the additional N1,000 ticket to them.
“We have enough vouchers that can go around. We arrived early to monitor the process and ensure its success. People are happy at the end of the day,” Yishawu stated.
Many buyers at the market expressed their gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his thoughtful approach in implementing this food discount initiative. Barrister Chuwku highlighted the importance of food as a basic necessity and praised the governor for sourcing quality food items and providing them at discounted rates to improve purchasing power. He mentioned essential goods such as bread, eggs, and beans being sold at the market.
Addressing the hitches observed during the market’s launch, Barrister Chuwku acknowledged that these were expected in the initial stages of such an undertaking. However, he expressed confidence that both the lawmaker and the government would address and resolve the issues promptly. He commended Yishawu for his commendable programs implemented within his constituency.
Another buyer, Mrs. Oluwafeyitimi Tolulope, noted the significant turnout at the market due to its late start. She called on government officials to develop better protocols to ensure that crowds are efficiently managed and protected from the scorching sun. Mrs. Tolulope stated that the attendants were overwhelmed with the crowd.
During the market, several food items were sold at cheaper prices compared to those available at the general market.
The “Ounje Eko” market is expected to remain a regular event, providing discounted food items to residents of Lagos and alleviating the burden of high food prices.
