The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the collaboration of Ounje Eko Food Discount Market with the institution.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Mr Adekunle Adams, Director, Public Affairs, YABATECH, the tertiary institution is partnering with the state government to host the market.

Dr Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, who was represented by Arc. Femi Lawal, Deputy Rector, made the commendation at the opening of the market in the College on Tuesday in Lagos.

Abdul thanked the Lagos State Government (LASG) for extending the grace to the college community and lauded government’s efforts at ensuring that foods are available at an affordable price for the residents.

He added that the aim was to provide affordable food to the college stakeholders and immediate general public within the college community and her environs at 25 per cent discount rate.

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“The market will run every Friday for six weeks at the initial stage with room for extension from Friday, Sept. 20th to Oct. 25th, 2024, and will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the college campus.

“The initiative aligns with the College’s mission to contribute positively to her immediate community.

“This will ease the burden on our students, staff as well as the larger community, ensuring access to affordable food options in these challenging times,” the rector added.

He explained that Ounje Eko Food Discount Market was an effort by the LASG to tackle inflation and support residents during difficult economic conditions.

The LASG-appointed Market Leader, Mrs. Alice Ogunbiyi, eulogised the college management for cooperating with the state government in embracing the initiative at short notice.

She explained the modalities of the market operation, saying that food items such as egg, gari, beans, rice, pepper and bread amongst others, would be sold for the duration of the initiative.

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Similarly, the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr Sarah Oketunji, at the opening ceremony, praised the LASG’s gesture, and admonished the college community to uphold the modalities of the market operation and not to take the opportunity for granted.

Oketunji, however, implored Gov. Sanwo-Olu to extend the market beyond six weeks. NAN