Lagos State government has distributed cash support of 50,000 naira each, to about 15,000 market traders in all Local Government and Local Council Development Area across Lagos State, Southwestern, Nigeria, to the tune of 750 million naira.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was in fulfilment of the promise he made at the commissioning of the Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin on Sunday, 17th December, 2023, to the traders.
Speaking at the Lagos Market Trader Money Launch, the governor said the idea was designed as a stop-gap measure to empower small-scale traders in the Food Systems.
The Governor who acknowledged the current economic hardship in the country said activation of such financial support would go along way to improve the lives of the citizens and traders who occupy strategic position in the State’s food distribution network.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos State is aware of the growing population of over 24 million and has been implementing key projects to promote the preservation, storage, transportation and presentation of wholesome food to the populace, with the aim of reducing food waste and guarantee food safety.
He said the beneficiaries were identified through a process aided by the Agricultural Field Officers that partnered with market masters of each Local Government and Local Council Development Area across the State.
“Today’s event, which flags off the implementation of the Lagos Market Trader Money, will support 15,000 market traders with a sum of N50,000.00 each. The beneficiaries were selected through a methodical process targeted at Two Hundred beneficiaries from markets in each LGA/LCDA in addition to 50 beneficiaries that were selected by the Iyaloja/Babaloja General in each LGA/LCDA making a total of 14,250 market traders.“
“Also, 750 beneficiaries were identified from markets within the Barracks and Military formations across the State, and this brings the total number of beneficiaries to 15,000.” he said
Social Inclusiveness
And to ensure social inclusiveness in the implementation of the initiative, the Governor mentioned that “74% of the beneficiaries are women while the remaining 26% are men, 33.7% of these are below 40 years while 66.3% are above 40 years.”
He added that the geopolitical zones of Nigeria were also considered during the selection process with 11,039 beneficiaries selected from the Southwest, 914 from the South East, 868 were taken from the South South, North Central got 1,710, 373 from the Northwest and 107 captured from the North East.
The Governor who urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the grant in ways that will contribute to the economic development of the State said the need to actualize the goal of transforming the Food systems in the State and stimulate economic activities in various food markets become imperative.
Increase Wellbeing
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya said the initiative is one of the ways the Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu plans to increase wealth and well being of Lagosians, particularly the men and women traders domiciled in Lagos state.
Olusanya explained that the initiative, which is first of its kind for traders by the Lagos State government, was part of the THEMES+ agenda of the state government to develop food production, processing, and invariably crash food prices.
She said with the launch, the governor has fulfilled his plans for a more inclusive social welfare framework for market actors beginning with Lagos Market trader money initiative.
According to her “The Lagos Market Trader Money is the first of its kind where 50,000 naira will be given to about 15,000 market men and women, which covers the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas as well as the markets that covers the police Barack and the support is to give succour to the farmers and traders and improve the Agriculture ecosystem and boost food production. It’s to ease the burden of the traders, from the food to health and transportation.”
“This Initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Local Governments, in collaboration with market leaders across all the fifty-seven LGAs and LCDAs is only the first of many to be launched by Mr. Governor towards helping to shoulder the burdens of the citizenry, ranging from food, health, and education to transportation.”
The Commissioner said the cash support is targeted at expanding the capacity of the beneficiaries to off-take more produce from the farmers, thereby catalyzing increased food production in and outside the state.
Sense of Appreciation
In her goodwill message, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu -Ojo appreciated and thanked the State Governor for convening such an initiative that would ameliorate the well being of the traders in the state.
She however urged them to use the money judiciously and for the purpose it was meant for, stressing that the cash support was meant to augment their business and can as well assist them start a small business that can thrive.
The beneficiaries who were elated by the gesture praised the governor for such initiative aimed at providing succour to the indigent and vulnerable, particularly the traders who are struggling to riggle out of the current economic challenges.
Shakirat Sadiq
