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Tag: Ounje Eko

  • Lagos okays N500m subsidy to crash food prices

    Lagos okays N500m subsidy to crash food prices

    The Lagos government has announced a plan to invest N500 million in a subsidy programme for farmers.

    Christened,Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme, the initiative aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish), tractorization services for crop production as well as distribution of bags of fertiliser.

    In recent months, farmers in Lagos, particularly those involved in poultry and aquaculture, have faced a substantial increase in the cost of animal feed.

    The price of fish feed has escalated from N18,000 in 2023 to N36,000 for a 15kg bag, while a 50kg bag now costs N74,000, compared to N35,000 during the same period last year. Additionally, the price of a 25kg bag of starter poultry feed has risen to over N20,000, up from less than N10,000 in 2023. The sharp rise in feed prices, influenced by various economic factors, is exerting considerable pressure on small and medium-sized farming enterprises, which play a crucial role in the local food supply chain.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme in Lagos yesterday ,the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasised that the increasing prices of feed materials pose a significant obstacle to the productivity and growth of the agricultural sector. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to tackle the issue of feed costs, which she identified as a critical challenge faced by poultry and fish farmers in the state .

    According to her, the N500 million subsidy will be channeled into reducing the cost of farming inputs , enabling farmers to produce more at lower costs.

    She noted: “Through the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme, the Lagos State Government seeks to provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent  subsidy on poultry and fish feeds,sustain and improve production levels, ensure a steady supply of poultry and fish products in the market and prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity. This intervention departs from past strategies where free input distribution led to diversion and inefficiencies. Instead, this subsidy model ensures accountability, proper targeting, and sustainable impact.”

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    To ensure the success of  the  programme, she  explained that the government has  put in place a robust implementation strategy. She went on to explain that key elements of this strategy include the distribution of targeted products, such as poultry feed (Layers Mash) and fish feed (3mm and 4mm), provided by reputable feed millers such as  Animal Care and Olam Nigeria Limited.

    Additionally, she noted that the government is forming partnerships with farmer associations, including the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Lagos Chapter and the Lagos State Catfish Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN), along with registered farmers in farm settlements and designated Discount Market Locations. These locations encompass Erikorodo Poultry Estate in Ikorodu, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Araga, Epe, Aiyedoto Poultry Estate in Ojo, Coconut House in Mowo, Badagry, Farm Service Centre in Oko-Oba, Ikeja, and Fish Farm Estate in Odongunyan, Ikorodu, to ensure the proper distribution of products.

    She stated that the programmeis scheduled to take place every Wednesday from February 5th to February 26th. She emphasised that farmers will be responsible for only 75 percent of the total cost, with the government covering the remaining 25 percent. “To promote transparency, we are organising a pre-ordering and payment system to be facilitated through farmer associations. Vendors will deliver the pre-ordered goods to designated market locations for verification and distribution, while market leaders will supervise the operations at each site. This subsidy model guarantees accountability, precise targeting, and a sustainable impact.” She expects the ripple effect of the investment to be felt by Lagosians in the coming months, as food prices begin to stabilize as  the government plans to commission  the Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub at the Ketu Ejirin axis in the Epe area  with the first half of this year.”

    She indicated that the food hub would contribute to the stabilisation of food prices in the markets. “The Lagos State Central Food Security and Logistics Hub is designed to ensure the smooth distribution of agricultural products across the state.”

    She called upon all stakeholders—farmers, feed millers, security agencies, and the general public to actively support and participate in the initiative. She noted: “By collaborating, we can establish a more resilient food system, fortify our agricultural sector, and secure food availability for everyone in Lagos.”

  • JUST IN: LASG commences Phase II ‘Ounje Eko’ on Sept. 1 for eight weeks

    JUST IN: LASG commences Phase II ‘Ounje Eko’ on Sept. 1 for eight weeks

    The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the commencement of Phase II of its ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market on September 1.

    The state Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this in a news conference on Wednesday at the Alausa Secretariat.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the LASG successfully implemented Phase I of the Ounje Eko Food Discount Market across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    The temporary markets, which also took place at the Alausa, Secretariat and Lekki Phase I, operated on Sundays to provide selected food items at a 25 percent discount.

    Its over six editions, reached over 250,000 beneficiaries across the State, ensuring essential food items were accessible to all citizens, regardless of economic constraints.

    Residents across Lagos enjoyed 25% discount on a variety of food items, including Rice, Beans, Garri, Bread, Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper, Tatashe, and Onions.

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    The commissioner said in a bid to further reduce the impact of high prices, the governor had approved commencement of Phase II of the Ounje Eko market.

    “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we announce the commencement of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on our citizens.

    “This programme aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagos residents through innovative and impactful initiatives.

    “The success and wide acclaim of the first phase of the project have shown us the substantial impact such initiatives can have on improving the lives of our citizens.

    “In response to numerous requests from the public, the governor has decided to expand and enhance this initiative,” the commissioner said.

    Olusanya noted that the programme became more pertinent with food inflation reaching 40.9, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households, and its attendant social implications.

    “This second phase will commence on Sept. 1, 2024 and will run for 8 weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Lagos State University (LASU).

    “It will also take place at 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 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Markets at the Alausa Secretariat and the institutions, such as UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED, and LASUTH, will take place on Fridays.

    “However, the market for Mushin LGA will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro.

    “The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for Rice, Beans, and Garri, 2 loaves of Bread, 1 crate of Egg, 2kg of Tomatoes, and 1kg each for Pepper, Tatashe, and Onion per individual.

    “It is important to note that the prices of these food items have increased over the past few months, varying from one location to another,” Olusanya said.

    She also promised that the markets would operate seamlessly in collaboration with the necessary agencies.

    “To ensure smooth operations, each market will be managed by a market leader, supported by eight ministry staff, four representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos Chapter.

    “There will also be two representatives from the LGAs/LCDAs, typically the Head of Department for Agriculture and the Supervisor. We will also receive support from volunteers and local government chairmen.

    “In collaboration with Payment Service Providers such as Money Master PSB by GLO, MoMo PSB by MTN, Smartcash PSB by Airtel, Palmpay, Hydrogen by Access Bank, and Traction, all transactions will be digitalised.

    “No cash transactions will occur at any market location, enhancing accountability and convenience. For any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks.

    “We have made provisions to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience at all market locations. Adequate seating, canopies, and convenience facilities will be available.

    “For any issues or complaints, citizens should approach the market leader, who will be wearing a branded red reflective jacket, or other staff officials in branded lemon reflective jackets.

    “To guarantee safety and orderliness, we are engaging security and support personnel, including the Mobile Police, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

    “The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) for traffic management, Civil Defense will also be represented and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for medical emergencies.

    “And Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for cleanliness during and after the market hours,” she said.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Ounje Eko markets reopen on Sunday

    Ounje Eko markets reopen on Sunday

    The Ounjè Èkò discount markets will reopen to Lagosians today (Sunday). According to a statement by the Lagos State Information Commissioner and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, residents are hailing the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for bringing the initiative to all the five divisions of the State.

    He said  Sanwo-Olu rolled out the initiative, amongst others, to impact lives in various sectors of the economy, such as transportation, MSME trade, food, education, and health.  They will all be run under the theme, EKO CARES.

    “The Ounjè Èko market pilot scheme began on Sunday, March 17 with sales of discounted food items, such as rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, and perishables – tomato, pepper, rodo, and onions.

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    “Local food vendors have witnessed increased sales since the exercise started, just as residents in each locality are excited at the low prices,” Omotoso said.

    He also disclosed that the activities in each market are coordinated by LASG officials, youth volunteers, private sector payment solution providers, and local government officials to ensure seamless operations.

    He, therefore, advised residents to look out for prices of the items displayed in each locality as they might slightly differ in different locations.

    A new market location has also been introduced in Lekki Phase 1 to cater to the needs of residents within the area.

    “The detailed locations of Ounje Èkó markets can be found on all Lagos State Government social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, X, and www.lagosstate.gov.ng,” Omotoso said.

  • Awori commends Sanwo-Olu on Ounje Eko initiative

    Awori commends Sanwo-Olu on Ounje Eko initiative

    Members of the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) have commended Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for alleviating the sufferings of residents triggered by the economic realities in the country.

    The organisation lauded the governor for the Ounje Eko initiative, saying the move will help residents cope with the harsh economic situation of the country.

    The group, which comprises Awori speaking indigenes of the state, lauded the cooperative partnership between the state and Niger State government on food security in the state.

    A statement by AWAN National Publicity Secretary Prince Adeniyi Jafojo praised the governor for demonstrating leadership at this critical time.

    According to AWAN, the decision by the state government to set up markets where food items would be sold to residents of the state should be commended by all critical stakeholders in the state.

    “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated leadership at these critical times. He has also demonstrated the fact that he is a sensitive and feeling leader who feels the pulse of the people.

    “These sense of responsible leadership prompted him to set up the various markets where the people of the state can buy food items at subsidized prices.

    “We join all other critical stakeholders in the state to commend him for this and we are also using this opportunity to promise him our full support and cooperation with a view to making the initiative a huge success,” the statement reads.

    Read Also: ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets begin operations today

    On the cooperation between Lagos and Niger State, AWAN lauded the governor as well as his counterpart in Niger State; Mallam Mohammed Umar Bago for forging a partnership which the group said would be beneficial to all.

    “We are also using this opportunity to commend and congratulate Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Niger State colleague, Alhaji Mohammed Bago for coming up with the idea of partnership in the area of food security in the state.

    “These are the sort of partnerships that we desire in the country where we as a people complement one another for sustainable growth and development,” the group concluded.

  • Ounje Eko

    Ounje Eko

    • A worthy example from Lagos of how to cushion the effect of inflation on citizens

    Last Sunday, discount markets for the sale of staple foods at subsidised rates took off in 27 points across Lagos State. Popularly known as ‘Ounje Eko’, the initiative is one of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s intervention measures to cushion the pains being experienced by millions of residents as a result of the escalating inflation attendant on the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest report put the inflation rate at over 30% and the food sector is one of the hardest hit in this regard. Other sectors such as transportation and healthcare are also seriously affected, with the vast majority of the citizenry under severe existential pressure. It is therefore heartwarming that the federal, states and some local government councils across the country are taking concrete steps to ease the burden of their people.

    The huge turnout of residents to patronise the discount markets indicates that it is a measure for which there is dire need. From the comments of most beneficiaries of the scheme, it has had a positive impact on their finances and offers a big relief at a time when their purchasing power has been grossly eroded. It is evident from the commendable level of success witnessed in most areas that a lot of hard thinking and meticulous planning went into the scheme’s conceptualisation and implementation. This was demonstrated by a Deputy Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Noimot Akinola, a coordinator at one of the markets, who explained the modus operandi to one of our reporters.

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    According to her, “Payment will be made through the POS and residents will get vouchers which will be presented to the vendors. For those who have cash, we have payment solution officials who will convert their cash to card so that they can purchase their goods. There is also a limit to what can be bought. Sale of rice, garri, and beans is limited to 5kg, bread to two loaves, pepper and onion to 1kg and tomatoes to 2kg”. This limit is obviously to ensure that a few people with the means do not buy up the products to the detriment of less privileged citizens. It is also noteworthy that the vouchers were colour-coded to differentiate the various produce and those who had cash had their funds exchanged for Opay, Palmpay or Cowrie debit cards.

    Impressed by what he described as the meticulous organisation of the scheme, a local council chairman, Mr Kunle Sanya-Olowoopejo, promised that his council will support the state government’s initiative by bringing its own produce to distribute freely to residents at the point in his area next Sunday. No less impressive is the level of security achieved during the exercise, with the presence of men and officers of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at all points, to ensure orderliness.

    However, there is still room for improvement in the implementation of the scheme in some areas identified by residents. For instance, the scheme did not kick off on schedule at 11am at a number of points, leading to some degree of restiveness among residents who had been on queues as early as 9am. Again, in Badagry, for instance, some residents claimed that the prices at what was supposed to be a discount market were no different from what obtained at normal markets. Also, residents at many locations lamented that there was insufficient number of POS machines, making the process slow, laborious and stressful. There was also the demand for a broader variety of food items such as yam, potatoes, semovita, among others, to be included in the scheme. We urge that these observations be investigated and remedied where necessary.

    We urge the Sanwo-Olu administration to consider extending the programme beyond the five weeks it has scheduled it to last. It is unlikely that the spiralling inflation it is designed to ameliorate will be over in five weeks. In December, last year, the governor had unveiled the pilot scheme of the Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin. It will offer for sale products such as pepper, meat, vegetables, eggs, yam, garri, snail, palm oil, plantain, ‘ofada’ rice, Eko rice and fruits, among others, at farm gate prices in clean and secure environment. While we commend the plan to replicate this scheme in other locations within the next six months, we also urge the government to exploit the potential of its rice mills to flood the Lagos market with the product.

    The priority accorded food availability and affordability by Lagos State is commendable. Food inflation accounts for a substantial part of the high poverty rate. We commend this example to other states.

  • Residents excited as Sanwo-Olu’s ‘Ounje Eko’ kicks off

    Residents excited as Sanwo-Olu’s ‘Ounje Eko’ kicks off

    Lagos residents have lauded the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative introduced by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration as part of efforts to cushion the economic hardship.

    The governor, on February 22, announced some interventions to ameliorate the prevailing economic crisis on residents. One of the measures is the ‘Ouje Eko’ initiative where residents can buy foodstuff at discounted prices. The initiative will run for about five Sundays.

    Our correspondent, who visited Alimosho Local Government Area, Egbe-Idimu LCDA and Mosan-Okunola LCDA, reports that residents were at the venue as early as 9am, though activities didn’t kick off until 11am.

    Staples at the markets were rice, beans, bread, egg, garri, pepper and onion. The vouchers are colour-coded to differentiate the produce, while residents who come with cash will have their cash exchanged for debit cards (Opay, Palmpay, Cowrie cards).

    Chief Moshood Alase, a resident of Egbe-Idimu, commended the government for bringing the initiative. He urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure its continuity because, according to him, it is a big relief to people whose purchasing power has dwindled.

    He also admonished other people to be orderly and adhere to instructions of officials coordinating affairs at the centre.

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    Another resident, Osho Yetunde, hailed the organized process and the initiative. She described it as sustainable and said she would return again next week.

    An egg vendor at Egbe-Idimu, Mrs. Julie Ukwenga, who represented the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), described the initiative as ‘a very good one’. She also praised the Lagos State government for helping both the residents and vendors.

    “This will boost our business because we are able to sell directly to consumers, and we are not losing out. Our produce leave the shelve promptly. I will advise residents to key into this good initiative while it lasts because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Kudos to the Lagos State government for bringing this,” she added.

    Coordinator of the Egbe-Idimu centre, Mrs. Noimot Akinola, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, promised to ensure a hitch-free exercise. She also clarified the purchase process to residents for better understanding.

    “We have produce here to be sold to residents. However, payment will be through the POS and they get vouchers which will be presented to the vendors. For those who will bring cash, we have payment solution officials who will convert their cash to card so they can purchase their goods. There is also a limit to what can be bought – Rice, beans and garri (5kg), bread (two loaves), pepper and onion (1kg) and tomato (2kg).”

    Chairman of the council, Kunle Sanyaolu-Olowoopejo described the fair as ‘meticulously organised’. He promised that the council will support the state government’s initiative by bringing its own produce to distribute freely to residents.

    “With what we have seen here security wise, we will bring our produce here as from next Sunday but we will be giving residents free.

    “I laud the state government for this initiative, and appeal to residents to allow the seamless process continue. Everyone will get to buy if only we are patient enough. I have also discouraged those who should not be here to please allow those who really need the produce to get them.

    “When we come next week, we will ensure only those who need it get it.”

  • ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets begin operations today

    ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets begin operations today

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets commence operations on Sunday, March 17, 2024 across Lagos.

    The markets have been tasked with selling discounted food items across the five divisions of Lagos.

    The food items including; rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper, among others – will be sold at a 25% discount to residents.

    This was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho on Saturday.

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    It reads partly: “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.

    “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.

  • FULL LIST: Discounted prices in Lagos ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets

    FULL LIST: Discounted prices in Lagos ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets commence operations from Sunday, March 17, 2024 across Lagos.

    The markets have been tasked with selling discounted food items across the five divisions. 

    Here’s a full list of the produce prices at the food market:

    5kg bag of rice – N5,325

    1kg bag of rice – N1,065

    5kg bag of Beans – N6,225

    1kg bag of Beans – N1,245

    5kg bag of Garri – N3,975

    1kg bag of Garri – N795

    2kg Tomatoes – N1,800

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    1kg Atarodo – N1,875

    1kg Tatashe – N1,275

    1kg Onions – N450

    1 crate of eggs – N2,700

    Bread – N750

  • PHOTOS: Lagos launches ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets

    PHOTOS: Lagos launches ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets

    Lagos launches ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets

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  • JUST IN: ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets begin tomorrow

    JUST IN: ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets begin tomorrow

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets commence operations from Sunday, March 17, 2024 across Lagos.

    The markets have been tasked with selling discounted food items across the five divisions of Lagos. 

    The food items including; rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – will be sold at 25% discount to residents.

    This was announced in a statement by Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho on Saturday. 

    It reads partly: “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.
    “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.

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    “For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225 while 1kg would sell for N1,245. Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets.

    “The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.”