Residents of Lagos State are expecting the government to take proactive measures to tackle the escalating costs of food items and consumables in the region.
This is exactly what the Lagos State Government has chosen to do.
In a recent announcement during the conclusion of a two-day retreat at Orchid Hotels in Lekki, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, reassured residents of ongoing efforts to address the issue. She highlighted the impact of the Market Trader Money initiative, where the Governor distributed ₦750m to 15,000 traders across the State to curb the high cost of food.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s recent launch of Market Trader Money has significantly benefited traders and is a positive step in reducing the burden on consumers,” said Olusanya.
The Commissioner also shared updates on key projects, emphasising the imminent delivery of the first Food Logistics Hub in West Africa in Ketu. Work is set to commence on three additional Agro Food Hubs in Agege, Abule Ado, and Sangotedo, supplementing the one already built in Mushin.
Residents are witnessing tangible benefits from the first Agro Food Hub in Mushin, where a clean and efficient environment is contributing to better value for money spent on food items.
Despite these positive developments, Olusanya urged residents to heed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s caution against hoarding and unjustified price hikes of food items.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, expressed gratitude to Ministry staff for their continuous support. He emphasised the importance of redoubling efforts in implementing government policies and programs, especially given the economic challenges facing the country.
In a wellness and mental health session at the retreat, Dr. Adebowale Oyebade highlighted global mental health challenges and factors contributing to mental disorders. She stressed the need for prioritizing health and encouraged the participants to adopt healthy habits and lifestyles.
Participants in the interactive session proposed solutions to the high cost of food, emphasising the importance of improving security around farmlands, providing incentives to farmers, and fostering collaboration among states to optimise comparative advantages in agriculture.
