Residents of Ikoyi-Obalende in Lagos State celebrated the reopening of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Discount Market initiative, part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. This initiative, which offers selected food items at a 25% discount, resumed operations on Sunday.
The Lagos State government had previously announced that Phase II of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Discount Market would begin on Sunday. Phase I, implemented in March, covered all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Temporary markets, operating on Sundays, offer discounted food items to residents. During a visit to the former Nursing School Ground on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed long queues of residents eagerly purchasing discounted foodstuffs. The orderly environment highlighted the success of the initiative.
Resident Janet Obi praised the program, noting substantial savings compared to regular market prices. For example, a crate of eggs that usually costs N5,000 was available for N3,600, and a four-kilogram bag of Garri was offered at a reduced price.
Tunrayo Oredola appreciated the initiative’s role in addressing food insecurity, emphasizing its importance amid current hunger issues. Isaac Jared also expressed relief at the market’s reopening, given the high cost of living. He urged the government to expand and sustain the initiative across the state.
Market leader Olabisi Lois assured residents of adequate food supplies, despite a 20% increase in product prices. She emphasized that the discount still provided significant relief in the current economic climate.