By Femi Akinola
Except for last minute change of mind, on Wednesday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will launch a new developmental programme tagged: ‘Lagos Market Trader Money,’ a N750 million financial intervention aimed at supporting 15,000 beneficiaries with N50,000 per beneficiary.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made this announcement during a hygiene sensitization event attended by over 500 market traders from Ikeja and Oshodi Local Government Areas.
The event took place at weekend at the premises of the first Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.
According to the commissioner, Governor Sanwo-Olu will use the day being Valentine Day to launch the programme to express his care for the market community.
She said, “By Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, Mr. Governor is going to be showing love to market traders, men and women in Lagos.
He promised them N50,000 per beneficiary for 15, 000 people for the Lagos Market Trader Monei; he is going to be launching it on that day. It is part of his show of love to say we hear you, we hear your cry, we are all in this together and we will come out of this better and stronger.”
NatureNews reliably gathered that the 15, 000 beneficiaries will be drawn from the 20 local government areas and the 37 local council developed areas across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Chairmen of the 57 Council Areas have mapped out strategies and modalities for the disbursement of the fund.
In the meantime, the State Government through the Commissioner for Agriculture, has assured people of Lagos to open more Agro Food at strategic areas across the state.
The Commissioner also disclosed this at the fresh food fair at ldi-Oro, Mushing, Lagos, at weekend
The Commissioner who was elated with the turn out of people at the food fair which commenced about three weeks ago, said the fair will be on for 20 Saturdays.
She stated further that the initiative is targeted at bringing foods and other consumables closer to the people in their neighbourhood at discount prices towards removing the challenges associated with high cost of foodstuffs across the country.
People who buy food items at the one- stop- shop stands to benefit 10% discount but condition is attached.
It was gathered that the state government has decided to open few other Agro Food Hub at Agege, Abule Ado, and Sangotedo.
NatureNews also learn that students who belong to the Young Farmers Club were responsible for the food items brought for sale at the food fair.