The Lagos State government has said that it was satisfied with the success rate of the COVID-19 makeshift markets created to reduce the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on Lagosians.
Prince Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, stated this during a tour of one of the markets at Local Government Primary School, Idimu, and Ejigbo Nursery and Primary, Orilowo, Ejigbo in Lagos.
He explained that with the establishment of the markets, several Lagosians had been provided the opportunity to access food produce, including vegetables, perishable goods and even fast consumer products, especially those needed during the Ramadan fast.
“So far, we are happy with the success rate. We are happy that the makeshift markets have given the opportunity to a lot of Lagosians to be able to access markets without much trouble,” Lawal noted.
The commissioner stated that the price of products at the markets were very competitive and cheaper than what obtained in the open markets which had contributed greatly to the level of patronage recorded.
According to him, the makeshift markets were created to reduce the economic burden that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered and provide access to market as they observe the total lockdown in the state.
“The markets were satisfactorily serving that purpose such that the open markets that were supposed to be the major point of call for people are now recording lower patronage, especially in line with the social distancing guidelines of the government of Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu,” the commissioner said.
Lawal explained that though the economy of Lagos was important, the protection of lives was more important adding that government would continue to do all within its power to ensure that its citizens were safe.
He pointed out that the public health order would continually be at the front burner as a matter of urgency hence it was important that people were aware of the essence of social distancing so that the whole of the country understands the seriousness of the pandemic.
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“From the feedbacks we are getting, we want to see how we can come up with some strategy that can make Lagosians adapt to the pandemic in terms of social distancing,” he said.
Also, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture in the State House of Assembly, Kehinde Joseph, commended the state government through the Ministry of Agriculture for setting up the emergency market which showed the importance that the government attached to the welfare of the people.
He said the markets were well organised in compliance with the social distancing rule, use of face mask as well as personal hygiene directive of the government and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“When I got here this morning, I walked round to see the quality of items here and sincerely speaking, everything here is well organised. There is nothing a family or an individual needs that is not available for purchase in the market.
“From food stuff to poultry products, fish, pepper and beverages and other every day item are on display and the prices are very good and competitive,” he said.
Joseph said he had distributed hand sanitisers, food items and cash donations to residents of Alimosho constituency as well as educate them on the importance of social distancing since the virus was first reported in the country in February.
He said he had also carried out enlightenment campaign on the seriousness of COVID-19 and the need for the people to adhere to all the guideline listed by the state government.
Esther Adebamowo, the Iyaloja, Olugbede Modern market in Egbeda, Alimosho Local government, commended the government for supporting her members with the emergency food market.
Adebamowo said farmers had been educated on the need to maintain social distancing rule in the market, and avoid crowded environment.
“We have told our members that they should maintain social distancing and also avoid crowd in the market.
“We are trying to reduce the crowd in our markets in line with the government directive,” she said.