Lagos State Govt Suspends Food Discount Market Tagged ‘Ounje Eko’ Initiative

The Lagos State government has announced the indefinite suspension of its ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Markets initiative.

Adekunle Adedeji, the Director-General of Eko-Bulletin, made the announcement in a statement addressed to campus directors and representatives dated 17/09/2024.

Titled: “Temporary Closure Of Ounje Eko Initiative,” the statement noted that the closure would be temporary.

The statement, which SaharaReporters obtained, reads: “Dear lagosians, it’s with deep regret that we announce the temporary closure of the OUNJE EKO initiative across all tertiary institutions in Lagos State. EkoBulletin

“This decision was made after a brief meeting between the HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE and all center coordinators and assistant coordinators in relation with improving sales of food items to student.

“Kindly understand that this closure is temporary and will continue as soon as possible

“ITESIWAJU IPINLE EKO LO JE WA LOGUN!!!!”.

It should be recalled that Lagos State government had in August announced that the Phase II of the Food Discount Markets ‘Ounje Eko’ programme would commence on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who addressed journalists then had stated that the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.

Olusanya had stated, “The second phase of Ounje Eko’ will run for eight weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAS/LCDAS, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)”.

“The markets will operate from 10am to 5pm. Markets at the Alausa Secretariat and the institutions, such as UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED, and LASUTH, will take place on Fridays, while the market for Mushin LGA to be held at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for Rice, Beans, and Garri, two loaves of Bread, one crate of Eggs, 2kg of Tomatoes, and 1kg each for Pepper, Tatashe, and Onion per individual.

“Beyond providing food items at discounted prices, Mr. Governor is engaging approximately 6,000 personnel and over 3,000 businesses to supply food items, transportation, logistics, and other necessities. This will ensure the smooth operation of the markets and further bolster our local economy” she added.