Over 2,000 residents of Ifako Ijaiye benefited from a food subsidy market sponsored by the local government chairman, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, in partnership with Inspire Food Market. The market, held over the weekend, featured traders selling essential food items at 50% less than local market prices. For instance, a paint bucket of rice and beans was sold for N3,800 and N6,500, respectively, while a crate of eggs and a kilo of chicken were offered at N3,000 and N2,500. Other available items included vegetable oil, red oil, garri, fresh pepper, onions, and tomatoes.
Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, explained that the initiative aims to ease the economic burden on residents. “The local government is the closest to the grassroots. We need to always stay connected to our people,” he stated, emphasizing that both state and local governments are committed to alleviating poverty through initiatives like the food subsidy market.
In addition to providing discounted food, the local government is also empowering traders with financial grants. “We assess traders’ stocks—those valued below N20,000—and support them with N50,000,” Hamzat explained, adding that the initiative takes place regularly across various markets.
Furthermore, over 10,000 youths have been trained in skills like photography and tailoring through a six-month program, which includes a three-month internship and transportation stipends.
Abiola Adebajo, convener of Inspire Lagos Food Market, highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing economic challenges, noting that rising food inflation has left many people struggling to feed themselves. “The government is doing its best, but we are here to help the people by collaborating with the government,” she said.
