The Lagos State Government has announced plans to open the discounted market at Fresh Food Hub in Mushin, allowing residents—especially Muslim and Christian faithful—to enjoy the Ounje Eko initiative during the Ramadan fast and Lent season.
This comes as the state government reaffirms its commitment to implementing the market transformation template of its five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap for the overall benefit of residents.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at a three-day annual retreat for staff of the ministry, held at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
She noted that the recent reduction in fuel prices has led to lower food prices in some areas. Combined with the support given to farmers under the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Program, this will have a positive impact on food affordability during the Ramadan and Lent season.
Olusanya emphasized that agriculture is a continuous process requiring consistent efforts, which is why Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to addressing evolving challenges and revolutionizing the state’s agricultural value chain.
According to her, the government is confident that food security and sustainability in Lagos is non-negotiable and is working closely with relevant stakeholders to create a supportive environment for all players in the sector.
She further explained that the five-year agricultural development roadmap, launched in April 2021, aligns with the THEMES Plus developmental agenda of the state. The roadmap remains on course to strengthen food security and enhance the sector’s contributions to Lagos’ economy.
Speaking on the annual retreat, Olusanya stated that the event was designed to review the ministry’s activities over the past year and strategize for improved service delivery in the years ahead.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Rotimi Fashola, said the retreat provided an opportunity for staff to interact and collaborate on more rewarding initiatives that will enhance the ministry’s performance in the coming months.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Fatai Audu Emmanuel, stressed that the retreat is bridging gaps and fostering healthy competition, which will yield positive outcomes in the development of Lagos’ agricultural and food systems.
The guest speaker at the retreat, Mr. Joseph Samuel, Chairman of Origin Tech Group, highlighted the vast opportunities within the agricultural sector and commended the Lagos State Government’s efforts to sustain the agricultural ecosystem.
In his presentation on the Produce for Lagos Initiative, Mr. Samuel explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is building a market-driven agricultural system, with major agro-product processing projects spread across the metropolis.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ope George, also participated in an interactive session, addressing questions on financial activities and other budget management developments in the state.
The retreat provided a platform for each department and unit in the ministry to present their 2024 scorecards, with the commissioner advising them on areas for improvement.
The theme of the retreat was “The Adaptive Edge: Lead Change, Connect Strongly, Thrive as One.”
