Buyers at the ongoing “Ounje Eko” discount market in Lagos State have continued to troop to the market as it enters its fourth week, following its inauguration on March 17.

At the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Sunday, many buyers trooped into the market despite rain in the vicinity.

Many were seen with umbrellas coming to purchase the discounted food items.

Two of the buyers who spoke during an interview expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity to continue to purchase food items at cheaper and affordable prices.

One of them, Serifat Ibrahim, said she defied the rain because the food items were cheap and worth the effort.

Mrs Ibrahim appealed to the government to continue the programme, saying it had been beneficial to residents of the state.

She said, “We want the market to continue because we are happy and enjoying affordability of the food items in this market. We thank the governor, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu, and the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa 02 Constituency, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu, for this laudable programme.’’

Another shopper, Jemimah Halilu, also expressed joy for the opportunity to shop conveniently.

Mrs Halilu said, “I thank our leaders for their support through this market programme. The items are accessible, affordable and reasonable, especially at this challenging time of our economy.

“It has been an enjoyable shopping experience for me and I urge our leaders to do more of these kinds of programmes that cater for the wellbeing of the people.”

In her remarks, the market leader of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA, Olabisi Rita-Louise, said the programme had been well organised since its inception.

Mrs Rita-Louise, who also works at the Ministry of Agriculture, commended the shoppers for being orderly in purchasing the food items and cooperating with the organisers of the programme.

“The people are happy and have cooperated well with the organisers; I know that it can be crowded, but we have been able to sort people out. There is more than enough to go round as approved by the governor, ’’’she said.

The state government on March 17 inaugurated the market across 27 locations in Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry divisions.

The market, which is to open on Sundays for six weeks, offers food items such as rice, eggs, beans, garri, among others available at 25 per cent discounted price.

(NAN)