In an unexpected move, the Lagos State government has announced the indefinite suspension of its popular ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Markets initiative, which was designed to provide affordable food items to Lagos residents, particularly students.
The announcement was made in a statement by Adekunle Adedeji, the Director-General of Eko-Bulletin, and dated September 17, 2024.
The decision has left many Lagosians, especially students who relied on the program for discounted food, shocked and concerned about how they will cope with rising food prices.
The statement, titled “Temporary Closure of Ounje Eko Initiative,” revealed that the decision to suspend the program was made following a meeting between the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, and coordinators of the initiative.
The meeting, according to the statement, was focused on improving the sales of food items to students, but no further details were provided on the exact reasons for the closure.
The statement read, “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. Kindly understand that this closure is temporary and will resume as soon as possible.”
The statement concluded with the popular slogan, “ITESIWAJU IPINLE EKO LO JE WA LOGUN!!!” which translates to “The progress of Lagos State is important to us,” indicating that the government still holds the initiative in high regard despite the suspension.
The ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Markets initiative was launched by the Lagos State government in August 2024 as part of efforts to ease the burden of rising food costs on Lagos residents, particularly students.
The program aimed to provide essential food items like rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, and onions at discounted prices in various locations across the state.
Phase II of the initiative began on September 1, 2024, with the government promising to operate the markets in 64 locations, including all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as well as key institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The markets were scheduled to run on Fridays at institutions and locations like the Alausa Secretariat, while markets in Mushin LGA operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro.
Each person could purchase a maximum of 5kg of rice, beans, or garri, two loaves of bread, a crate of eggs, 2kg of tomatoes, and 1kg of pepper, onions, and tatashe.
The initiative was seen as a direct response to the economic challenges facing many Lagosians, as inflation and rising food costs continue to affect households across Nigeria.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had positioned the program as a vital part of his government’s commitment to supporting Lagosians through innovative and impactful initiatives.
While announcing the second phase of the program in August, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, had described ‘Ounje Eko’ as a bold effort by the Lagos State government to tackle food insecurity.
She explained that the initiative was not only about providing food at affordable prices but also about engaging thousands of people in the state’s agricultural value chain.
“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,” Olusanya had stated.
At the time, the initiative was celebrated for its potential to provide relief to low-income families and students, who have been hit hardest by the sharp rise in food prices across Nigeria.
The suspension of ‘Ounje Eko’ comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of living, especially the rising prices of basic foodstuffs.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate hit a record high of over 25% in August 2024, with food prices accounting for a significant portion of that increase.
The soaring cost of essential goods like rice, beans, and bread has pushed many families into poverty, forcing them to cut down on food consumption or resort to cheaper, less nutritious options.
For students in Lagos, the ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative was a lifeline, helping them access affordable meals while balancing the costs of education and living expenses.
With the suspension of the program, many students fear that their food expenses will rise significantly, making it harder for them to cope with the already challenging economic situation.