Lagos Island community on Sunday expressed joy and satisfaction at the 75 per cent discounted food market hub organised by Lagos lawmaker, Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon.

The discount food hub, in collaboration with The Queen Mother Organisation, is tagged, “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Food Bank.’’

The residents crowded the Oluwole Car Park, Idumota, to purchase various food items at reduced prices.

A market report indicated that the Nigeria Police and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency personnel were on ground to secure the market.

The food items for sale at the market included rice, beans, bread, eggs, chicken, palm oil, noodles, vegetables, yam and spaghetti among others.

Mrs Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency I in the State House of Assembly, said the initiative was to reduce effects of the harsh economic condition in the country.

She added that the project was also part of her commitment to the welfare of constituents.

She added, “I made a promise during my campaign last year to create food and technology hubs in the community. This is the first food hub project and few people supported this initiative by paying 50 to 75 per cent subsidy on certain foodstuffs. For instance, chicken which is sold for N8,000 in the market is being sold for N2,500 here.

“Also, a paint of rice which is sold for N7,500 is being sold for N2,000. A carton of indomie noodles which cost N9,000 is sold for N4,500 at the food hub. This is our little way of making the lives of people better. We hope to serve the community better next week because this is the first edition and we are learning.’’

The food bank will also take place on April 7.

She urged residents to be patient and help others in any way they can amid the economic hardship.

She expressed gratitude to SunTrust Bank, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the senator representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District, for supporting the initiative.

The lawmaker also pledged to continue exploring and implementing initiatives that bring relief and progress to each household in the community.

One of the beneficiaries, Kolawole Adetula, lauded the lawmaker for the discounted food items.

He said that the initiative, along with the efforts of the state government would go a long way in reducing the economic hardship they were experiencing.

Also, Mrs Sekinat Ibrahim said she got to the venue at 9a.m. and was able to buy all food items sold, including bread, eggs, rice, beans and chicken.

She, however, said the process was not orderly at some point, but the organisers were able to rectify the situation.

She urged them to adopt an improved crowd control approach next week, to ensure the process is more orderly all through.

However, Titilayo Adesope said she couldn’t buy enough food items because she arrived at the venue late.

She added, “I got to know about the programme from a neighbour in the community and I decided that I had to be here. Today, being Easter Sunday, I was hoping to buy live chicken, but I was disappointed when I got there and saw it had been sold out. Though, I was able to buy eggs, rice, beans and other items. This is a laudable initiative because 50 per cent to 75 per cent discount is a lot. I hope to come early next week, so I can buy more items.’’

(NAN)