This past weekend, over 2,000 residents of Ifako Ijaiye benefited from a food subsidy market organized by Inspire Lagos Food Market in collaboration with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government. The market aimed to alleviate the economic hardship faced by the community amid rising food inflation.
Traders at the market offered food items at 50% discounts compared to local market prices. For instance, a paint bucket of rice was sold for N3,800, while beans cost N6,500. Additionally, a crate of eggs was priced at N3,000, and a kilo of chicken was available for N2,500. Other items included vegetable oil, red oil, garri, fresh pepper, onions, and tomatoes.
Abiola Adebajo, the convener of Inspire Lagos Food Market, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The concept is to provide relief to residents in the community. There is serious economic hardship, and people are hungry—they can barely feed themselves. Something has to be done.” Adebajo acknowledged the government’s efforts but emphasized the need for community support, stating, “We are here to help the people by collaborating with the government.”
He expressed hope for greater support, saying, “Imagine if we had brands supporting us—we would definitely do something bigger and better than this.” The substantial discount was made possible through sponsorships, donations, and philanthropic contributions.
Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, the Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, highlighted the market’s role in complementing state efforts to improve residents’ lives. He said, “The local government is the closest to the grassroots. We need to always stay connected to our people.” Hamzat reiterated the government’s sensitivity to citizens’ struggles and its commitment to poverty alleviation through affordable food access.
In addition to the food subsidy market, the local government is providing financial support to traders. Hamzat noted, “We assess traders’ stocks valued below N20,000 and support them with N50,000,” emphasizing the ongoing commitment to empowering the local economy.