Eko Farmers Mart Berths With Pocket Friendly Farm Produce

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

With just a thousand naira, Lagosians have been assured of a price-saving, freshly cultivated farm produce for their savoury meals as the Lagos State Government in partnership with ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos’ Initiative launched a phenomenal Eko Farmer’s Mart outlet for Lagos residents.

Located in the heart of Akerele, Surulere, Lagos, the Eko Farmers Mart was established on Friday October 13 with the aim of delivering hygienically-sourced food materials (raw and packaged) to consumers, at affordable prices.
Speaking at the launch, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by Dr. Olayiwola Onasanya, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, said the government is committed to the initiative and would be giving ample support to the franchise handlers, amidst using agriculture to drive Lagos State economy.

With the mantra of “One Thousand Naira Buys You A Lot”, and taking into consideration the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos cum the contemporary work-demands of the residents, the model of the Mart in Surulere is fashioned after similar ventures in developed countries, and some of its unique features, make it an outstanding pace-setter.

Coordinators of ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos Initiative’, Mr. Abiodun Yinusa and Mr. Idris Aregbe noted that residents within the locale will have access to a wide range of affordable farm produce such as Garri Epe, Isu Ambode, Eja Epe, Eja Ikorodu, Eyin Ojulowo, Apon-Badagry, Epo Odua, fresh vegetables, Wara, Prawns, Lake Rice and many more at the Mart.

“Buying directly from the Eko Farmer’s Mart means lower prices for all and access to large variety and selection of farm produce. We currently run a delivery system for your convenience,” Yinusa said.

He added that there  are plans to establish more Eko Farmers Marts, to ensure a wide spread round Lagos, with the objectives of providing direct and indirect job opportunities within the communities the mart is located; provide a more convenient and ease of food-material shopping and ensuring organic food materials are provided for the people of Lagos in a more hygienic manner.

“We have the ‘Eko Farmers’ Connect Centre (EFCC)’ initiative and structures on ground to subsequently unveil these facilities in the following settlements: Orile, Iganmu, Ikorodu, Egbeda, Ketu, Ogba, Amuwo Odofin, Ojodu Berger, Shomolu, Alimosho, Epe, and Ikotun.

“We are willing and ready to support Local Farmers on primary production and capacity building. We also arrange pick up of farm produce directly from farms. Our goal is to empower local farmers because ‘we believe as they do more, they go forward and grow Lagos. We urge Local farmers and stakeholders to take advantage of this golden initiative and visit the Eko Farmers Mart at 46, Benson Street, Off Akerele Road, Surulere Lagos,” they said.