By Samuel
The government of Lagos state has announced that the Eko City Farmers’ Market (ECFM) Ileya edition will hold on July 26, kicking-off the first decentralised edition of the fair.
According to the state, the platform was decentralised to enhance the upgrade of the agricultural supply value chains across various Local Government Areas of the state.
Eko City Farmers’ Market was launched to connect local farmers to local buyers in an urban and modern setting. The initiative will now hold across 26 public schools in Lagos.
Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya who made this disclosure to newsmen in Lagos, said that all agric value chains would be connected with their buyers.
In her remarks, the market would facilitate the rebuilding of local food economies with the provision of cost-effective, retail sales prospects for local producers.
“The notable objectives of the decentralised Eko City Farmers’ Market are to provide Lagosians access to a wide variety of fresh, local, in-season farm products direct from the producers.
“A conspicuous feature of the decentralised Eko-City Farmers’ Market is its inclusive model which epitomises the farmers and the final end-users as its focus, a situation that promotes productivity and profitability
“To make Lagos the most desirable destination for businesses with direct socio-economic impact and beneficial returns,” she added
Olusanya further stated that innovative methods would be deployed to showcase a high-quality market to meet consumer’s ever-increasing demand for farm produce.
She listed the Local Government Areas where the markets will be sited to include; Mushin, Alimosho, Surulere, Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos Island, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Agege.
Ilupeju Primary School, Town Planning Way, Ilupeju; Papa Ajao Primary School, Ladipo Street, Mushin; Eleja Primary School, Mushin; Local Government Primary School, Idimu; and Meiran Community Primary School, Meiran; are some of the selected schools for the fair.
Others are Adisa Bashua Primary School, off Adelabu; Local Progressive Primary School, Mbah Street, Surulere; Ikeja Primary School, Ikeja; Opebi Primary School, Opebi, Ikeja; and United Christian Primary School, Marine Beach.
Ire Akari Nursery and Primary School II, 4, Adekunle Dean Street, Sari Iganmu; St. Jude Primary School, Ebute- Metta; St. George’s Boys Primary School, Falomo; Kuramo Primary School, Eti-Osa and Iju Station Primary, Iju Road, Ifako Ijaiye are also not left out.