Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has warned against price gouging and hoarding of food items in the state, emphasizing the need to address the food challenges facing the state and the nation.
The Governor made this appeal at the launch of the Lagos Market Trader Money initiative, fulfilling a promise made two months ago during the launch of the Agro Food Hub in Mushin.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of the Market Trader Money initiative in promoting economic growth and sustainable livelihoods for traders across the state. He also emphasized the potential for a 6 trillion food exchange and consumption annually in Lagos.
The Governor stated that 75% of the beneficiaries of the initiative were women, with the remaining 25% allocated to men. He also announced the upcoming delivery of the first Food Logistics Hub in West Africa, as well as the completion of three additional Food Hubs across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, emphasized the initiative’s role in strengthening the economic lives of market men and women in the state, as well as boosting food production and distribution across the local governments and LCDAs.
According to Olusanya, the Lagos Market Trader Money will further boost food production and distribution across the state in the local governments and LCDAs to cushion the effects of rising food costs.
She said the program coincides with Valentine’s Day, allowing the Governor to show love to the market women and men across the state.
Olusanya thanked the Lagos Council Chairmen for mobilizing their traders for the success of the exercise.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, both commended the Governor for his support of traders in the state and urged beneficiaries to invest the money wisely to boost their trade.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Hon. Kolade Alabi, thanked the Governor for the program, saying the grassroots will benefit immensely from it. He promised that the council chairmen in the state will deliberate on how to complement the gesture by the Governor.
Kolade Alabi, who is also the Chairman of Bariga LCDA in Lagos, said that what the residents deserve now is financial support.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA, Baliqis Adeniyi Abiola informed the gathering of the benefits of possessing LASRRA Cards. According to her, those who have the cards will have access to loans, health insurance, and many more. She urged residents of the state yet to register to do so without delay.
Mr. Rotimi Olatunji from the Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, said delivery for pregnant women is free as long as the woman in question is on the state Health Insurance Scheme. He said residents who require medical care will pay a paltry sum of #250 per week instead of a high cost as long as they are registered on LASHMA.
