In a bold move to alleviate the burden of skyrocketing food costs in Nigeria, kakalistiq.com reports that Engineer Sesan Olowa, Chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, launched the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Community Market Initiative on Thursday, February, 22nd, 2024. The initiative aimed to provide subsidized foodstuffs and complimentary items to residents, offering a much-needed reprieve in the face of economic hardship.
The community market initiative garnered widespread praise not only from Ibeju-Lekki residents but also from neighboring towns, who lauded the administration’s generosity and foresight in significantly reducing commodity prices.
Under the initiative, consumers enjoyed an added value of 120% on every purchase, with the most popular option being a flat rate of ₦5000. This choice allowed beneficiaries to take home staple food items worth ₦11,000, along with complimentary items such as palm oil, salt, and a pouch of tomatoes and peppers.
Addressing beneficiaries during the unveiling, Honorable Sesan Olowa highlighted the rationale behind subsidizing sales, citing the imperative to support both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government in mitigating the effects of food price inflation and ensuring affordability for all.
Emphasizing the sustainability of the initiative, Mayor Olowa stressed that the community market would be a recurring event, held monthly to cater to residents’ ongoing food needs. Furthermore, he underscored the initiative’s dual impact, not only providing affordable food options for consumers but also offering a platform for local sellers to earn a livelihood.
In his address, Mayor Olowa urged residents to remain patient and law-abiding amidst the prevailing challenges, expressing confidence in the concerted government efforts of President Bola Tinubuto to steer Nigeria back to stability.
The gesture didn’t go unnoticed, as beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the initiative and praised the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government for its proactive approach to addressing critical issues affecting the community. Additionally, some fortunate recipients received free charcoal stoves, provided by the local government, as a solution to the high cost of cooking gas.
As communities eagerly anticipate the next Community Market day, the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government’s commitment to tackling economic hardships remains unwavering, offering a ray of hope amidst adversity.
