The launch of ‘Ounjẹ Èkó’ food markets, offering discounted prices on essential food items across Lagos State, beginning from Sunday, March 17, 2024 has been announced by the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He made the disclosure through the official Lagos State government X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday night. The idea, as revealed is aimed at alleviating the economic burden on the populace amidst rising food prices.
“In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off,” reads the statement.
“Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.”
Food items such as rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper will be available at 25% discounted prices at the ‘Ounjẹ Èkó’ Food Markets across LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
The markets will open from 11am to 4pm.
A 5kg bag of rice goes for ₦5,325, with 1kg available for ₦1,065.
In the same vein, a 5kg bag of beans will be sold for ₦6,225, with 1kg at ₦1,245.
The ‘Ounjẹ Èkó’ food markets will operate across 27 locations in Ikeja, six in Lagos Island, nine in Ikorodu, five in Epe, and 10 in Badagry divisions of the state.
However, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government,.