It was a massive turnout of residents from near and far in Lagos as the State Government flagged off the fresh food fair at the Agro Food Hub in the Mushin area of the state.
The Fresh Food Fair, which runs every Saturday, aims to bring various food items and consumables closer to residents at discounted prices, addressing the challenges associated with the rising cost of food items in the county.
While addressing newsmen at the flag-off, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, expressed satisfaction with the large turnout and noted that most transactions are recorded in terms of sales quantity and monetary value by the vendors.
This, she said, would enable the government to gather accurate data on the volume of food items required daily for consumption and facilitate partnerships with states with a comparative advantage in food production.
Olusanya highlighted that residents who buy at the one-stop shop stand to benefit from a ten percent discount.
She explained that the process of benefiting from the Momo Agent is seamless for those who have downloaded the app, while buyers without such assistance can request help at the fair.
The commissioner described the initiative to address the high cost of food and shortages as a relay, not a marathon, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play.
She also reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to replicating the initiative in other parts of the state, with plans to launch similar fairs soon in Agege, Abule Ado, and Sangotedo areas.
Two sellers at the market, Mr. Adebiyi and Mrs. Monsurat Adio, reported a high turnover rate since customers are satisfied with their purchases.
The Principal of Ansarudeen Grammar School in Surulere, Mr. Habeeb Badru, praised the initiative as timely in response to the high cost of food and hunger in the country caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
He commended the affordability of items sold and suggested opening more food hubs to meet daily food needs despite economic challenges.
Mr. Badru also noted that items such as vegetables, lettuce, and lemons sold at the fair were fresh, organic, and well-nourished, without the use of fertilizers.
He attributed these items to students belonging to the Young Farmers Club in the school and urged other states to emulate Lagos in ensuring residents can purchase foodstuffs at affordable prices.
