By Gbenga Akinfenwa

The Inspire Lagos Food Market has extended its initiative to Shomolu Local Council, Lagos State, in response to the rising cost of food and increasing concerns about hunger.

The market was aimed at providing low-income earners with access to affordable food, allowing them to purchase essential food items at half the usual price. “Organisers of the initiative announced plans to continue expanding from one local council area to another, to alleviate food insecurity and support vulnerable households.

The Convener of Inspire Lagos Food Market, Abiola Adebajo, emphasised the initiative’s urgency, saying: “The hunger is real, and food is very expensive. Many people have no choice but to buy food at high prices. This initiative is a 50 per cent food subsidy market designed for the masses and everyone can benefit.”

Adebajo highlighted the harsh realities of the current economic climate, stating that: “Some people believe others have money, but the truth is, even the average person has become poor in recent times. Personally, it affects me, and I know it affects many others.”

According to him, the project has received support from sponsors, donors and individual contributions, enabling them to cater to thousands of people. “We are able to serve 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and even 5,000 people who can buy food at half the price,” she explained.

The Inspire Lagos Food Market has so far reached Ikeja, Surulere, Ifako-Ijaiye, and now Shomolu. The initiative plans to expand further this month, with markets set to open in Kosofe and Egbe-Idimu. A high-profile celebrity has also pledged to sponsor the market for Easter, further boosting the initiative’s reach.

“Expressing gratitude for the support from local councils, Adebajo said: “We appreciate people like the Shomolu LG boss, who warmly received us and was eager for us to bring the initiative to Shomolu.”

The initiative, according to the organisers, is powered through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, partnering with vendors who register to sell food in bulk. The project operates on a subsidy model, where funds are allocated to food items, such as rice and beans, enabling vendors to sell at half price.

The subsidy is reimbursed to vendors, ensuring they do not incur losses. Adebajo called on the government, political figures, VIPs, philanthropists, and the general public for support, noting that even small contributions can make a significant impact. She mentioned a dedicated donor who consistently supports the project from abroad.

The Chairman of Shomolu local council, Abdul Hamed Salawu said: “We recognised the urgent need to care for everyone in the local council, through this initiative brought by Inspire Lagos Food Market, and they are extending beyond Shomolu. Many residents struggled to put food on the table, and the council understood that swift action was necessary. This initiative was not just about numbers or policies; it was about people, families, children, and the elderly.