Gov Sanwo-Olu cautions against hoarding, unnecessary increase in prices of food itmes as he lauches Market Trader Money in Lagos

Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has cautioned against hoarding and unnecessary increase in the prices of food itmes in the state.

He said that will only aggravate the food challenges currently ravaging the state and the nation at large.

The Governor made this appeal at the launching of the Lagos Market Trader Money held at Blue Roof on Agidingbi in Ikeja.

He described the launching of the Market Trader Money as fulfilment of promise made two months ago during the flagging off of the Agro Food Hub in Mushin area of the state.

Sannwoolu noted that the initiative was to foster economic growth and sustainable livelihood for traders across the state.

He said that Lagos with growing population has potentials of 6trillion food exchange and consumption annually .

According to him, the Market Trader Money will guarantee food safety, availability and affordability.

He also disclosed that the first Food Logistics Hub in West Africa in Ketu would be delivered soon adding that additional 3 Food Hub across the State are nearing completion.

Sanwoolu explained that Nigerians from all the geo political zones benefitted from the initiative noting 75% were allocated to women while remaining 25 to men

He believes that the goal of transforming Food system value chains and security is progressing in the state.

In his goodwill messge to the event, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu charged the beneficiaries to invest the money as expected to boost their trade.

Also speaking, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo commended the Governor for keeping to his pledge of supporting the traders in the state.

She urged all the entire market leaders in the state to ensure judicious use of the gesture and not to divert it

Folashade Tinubu-Ojo believes the money will multiply and yield more value if well deployed.

On her part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya said the initiative was to strengthen the economic lives of market men and women in the state.

She said that the initiative will ensure that the traders are financially empowered and translate into positive effects on the economy of the state.

The first in the history of the state the commissioner disclosed will benefit 15,000 traders at #50,000 each including traders in the police and military barracks.

According to Olusanya, the Lagos Market Trader Money will further boost food production and distribution across the state in the Lpcal Governmemt and LCDAs to cushion the effects of rising food costs.

She said the programme coincides with the Valentine day for the Governor to show love to the market women and men across the state.

Olusanya thanked the Lagos Council Chairmen for mobilizing their traders for the success of the exercise.

The Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Hon Kolade Alabi thanked the Governor for the programme saying the grassroots will benefit immensely from it.

He promised that the council chairmen in the state will deliberate on how to compliment the gesture by the Governor.

Kolade Alabi who is also the Chairman of Bariga LCDA in Lagos said that what the residents deserve now is financial support.

Speaking on behalf the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA, Baliqis Adeniyi Abiola informed the gathering of the benefits in possessing LASRRA Cards.

According to her, those who have the cards will have access to loans, Health insurance and many more.

She urged residents of the state yet to register to do so without delay.

Mr Rotimi Olatunji from Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA said delivery for pregnant women is free so long the woman in question is on the state Health Insurance Scheme.

He said residents who requires medical care will pay a paltry sum of #250 per week instead of high cost so long you have registered on LASHMA.