Lagos lawmaker, Yishawu hosts discount food market, slashes prices ahead of Sallah

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has hosted the second edition of his Food Discount Market, offering thousands of residents access to essential food items at heavily subsidised prices ahead of the Ileya festival.

The initiative, held on Saturday, was exclusively for constituents of Eti-Osa II and featured staple goods sold significantly below prevailing market rates. Residents purchased 5kg of rice and 5kg of beans for ₦3,000 each, 5kg of garri for ₦1,000, a crate of eggs for ₦2,500, live chicken for ₦5,000, and 1kg of beef for ₦3,500. Other items included bread for ₦1,000, 75cl of palm oil for ₦1,000, a tuber of yam for ₦2,000, a carton of noodles for ₦5,000, and smoked catfish for ₦3,000.

Speaking at the event, Yishawu said the programme was designed to cushion the impact of rising food prices and help families celebrate the festive season with less financial pressure.

“We started this programme last year during the Christmas period. The aim is to support our constituents so that they can put food on their tables at cheaper costs,” he said.

He explained that the discounts ranged above 50 per cent, adding that each shopper also received a free pepper mix valued between ₦4,000 and ₦5,000.

“This second edition is targeted at the Ileya festival. We want to ensure that during festive periods, our people can afford basic food items. People are not getting free rice as being speculated; rather, we are reducing the prices significantly to make things easier for them,” Yishawu added.

The lawmaker noted that the turnout was higher than the maiden edition, requiring organisers to regulate entry to maintain order. He added that feedback from residents showed growing satisfaction with the initiative.

Beneficiaries praised the programme for its impact. Mr. Ibiaji Amos said, “I bought items worth ₦11,000 here, but the same goods would cost about ₦60,000 in the open market.”

Another resident, Banky Brown, urged other lawmakers to adopt similar initiatives, noting that both APC members and opposition supporters benefitted without discrimination.

“This is an interesting programme. I wish other constituencies could organize this kind of support, especially during the Sallah celebration when people need food items. APC members and people from other parties are here buying without discrimination,” he said.

Mrs. Rita Olumegbon and Alhaja Mulikat Calfos also commended Yishawu for the initiative, with Calfos urging him to sustain the programme beyond 2027.

Yishawu, in response, pledged to improve future editions, saying feedback from residents would guide further expansion of the initiative.

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