In light of the Easter celebrations on Sunday, the Lagos State government decided to bring forward the “Ounje Eko” market to Friday, April 29, 2024, allowing people to shop for the festive season. Despite the change in date, Lagosians displayed their enthusiasm as they flooded the market to purchase food items at a discounted rate of 25 percent, thanks to the generosity of Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representative of Eti-Osa constituency two in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who provided one thousand free tickets.

Our reporter from UPSHOT MEDIA visited the Kuramo Junior College in Victoria Island and the Old Nursing School Ground in Ikoyi, where a massive crowd was observed indulging in the traditional Easter shopping spree. To add to the festivities, DJs were present at both venues, playing music to entertain the buyers.

In interviews conducted with the shoppers, immense gratitude was expressed towards President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu for making this market available and implementing the discounts. Mr. Amos Fadesere highlighted the disparities between the prices at the general market and the Ounje Eko Market. He mentioned that eggs were being sold for N2,700, bread for N750, and garri (cassava flakes) for N3,450 per plastic bag with two tins. He commended the initiative, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue supporting such endeavors. He also called for improved orderliness and coordination.

Mrs. Joy Omoladun expressed her satisfaction with the affordable prices of food items at the Ounje Eko Market. She revealed that she visited the market specifically for the discounts and the chance to receive a free GOY ticket.

“I came to see things for myself, and the prices are affordable for us compared to what we are buying outside,” she explained.

Mrs. Atanda Olamipeju also voiced her excitement about the 25 percent discount and the complimentary one thousand free ticket courtesy of Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu. She extended her prayers to President Bola Tinubu, who was coincidentally celebrating his birthday on this day.

It is important to note that the “Ounje Eko” market was launched across all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) simultaneously within the state. The market boasts a wide variety of food items, including crates of eggs, garri, beans, rice, bread, pepper, onions, to name a few.

Lagosians are calling on the government to extend this initiative, emphasizing that it has significantly eased poverty and ensured that the masses are able to put food on the table.