Praises, Prayers For Razaq Ajala As About 5,000 Lagosians Storm Ilupeju To Buy Subsidized Food Items
The Ilupeju secretariat of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development was bustling with activity on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as residents flocked to buy subsidized food items provided by the administration led by Rasak Ajala.
As early as 7 am, the secretariat was filled with people from all parts of the state who came to purchase the discounted food items.
According to the Council Chairman, Honourable Razaq Olusola Ajala, essential food items were being sold at a 50 percent discount from their current market value.
Items offered for sale at 50 percent off included garri, rice, pepper, onion, bread, and eggs.
For instance, the largest loaf of bread, which was sold outside for N1,200, was sold for N500, while a crate of eggs was priced at N2,000, compared to over N4,000 outside. Similarly, a bag of garri was sold for N2,000, while it was N4,000 in the market.
Honourable Ajala, his Vice, Honourable Seyi Jakande, the Council Manager, Mrs Otenaike, and council officials were present to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Despite the large crowd, an orderly arrangement was put in place. Intended buyers collected tickets, proceeded to paying counters manned by council staff to pay for their desired food items, received receipts, and then collected their purchased items.
“Our intention is to subsidize the cost of essential food items for our people,” Ajala told our correspondent.
According to him, his administration made provisions for more than 5,000 residents, so there was no need for pushing and shoving.
“Just be orderly, collect your ticket, pay for your goods, and leave to create space for others. There is no cause for alarm. We have made provision for a high number of people. The number of people here cannot exhaust what we have provided for,” he told the residents at the start of the program.
Mrs. Adeola Adesida, who came all the way from Surulere, said she arrived as early as 6 am and was among the first to be attended to.
“It was seamless and without discrimination. I really appreciate Honourable Ajala for this gesture. This is unprecedented. No discrimination whatsoever. Just get your ticket, pay for your goods, collect your receipt, and proceed to the selling points to collect your purchases,” she said.
Most of those who spoke with our correspondent expressed appreciation to the Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA boss for implementing the program, noting that he has always been committed to the welfare of the people.
Over 4,601 residents from across the state benefited from the program.
