Residents of Eti-Osa Constituency II, in Lagos thronged the venue of the GOY Food Discount Market 2.0 organised by lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, as essential food items were sold at subsidised rates to support constituents ahead of the Ileya festival.
The initiative, exclusively organised for residents of the constituency, offered staple food items at prices far below prevailing market rates.
Items sold included 5kg of rice for N3,000, 5kg of beans for N3,000, 5kg of garri for N1,000, a crate of eggs for N2,500, live chicken for N5,000, loaves of bread for N1,000, 75cl of palm oil for N1,000, a tuber of yam for N2,000, a carton of noodles for N5,000, 1kg of beef for N3,500, and smoked catfish for N3,000.
Speaking during the exercise, Yishawu said the programme was designed to ease the economic burden on residents by making food items more affordable.
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According to him, the initiative started during the Christmas period in 2025 and this is the second edition.
"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 market offers discounts of up to 50 per cent and above on essential food items including rice, beans, garri, chicken, beef, eggs, bread, pepper and others.
Yishawu added that every resident who visited the market also received a free pepper combo valued between N4,000 and N5,000.
"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," he stated.
The lawmaker noted that the scale of the programme had increased compared to the maiden edition, adding that the turnout reflected the growing acceptance of the initiative among residents.
He acknowledged the large crowd at the venue, saying organisers had to regulate entry into the compound to maintain order.
"From the feedback we are getting, people are happy with what we are doing, and we will continue to improve on the programme as much as we can," he added.
Some beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
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One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ibiaji Amos, praised Yishawu for consistently supporting the people.
"We are delighted. The lawmaker has been a beacon of hope. This is the second time he is doing this, and we are happy. I bought items worth N11,000 here, but the same goods would cost about N60,000 in the open market," he said.
Another resident, Banky Brown, described the programme as commendable and urged other lawmakers to emulate the initiative.
"This is an interesting programme. I wish other constituencies could organise this kind of support, especially during the Sallah celebration when people need food items. APC members and people from other parties are all here buying without discrimination," he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Rita Olumegbon said the prices were far cheaper than what obtains in regular markets.
"The prices are much lower than what is sold outside. Hon. Yishawu has really tried for us," she said while offering prayers for the lawmaker.
Also speaking, Alhaja Mulikat Calfos commended Yishawu's efforts in supporting residents of the constituency.
"He is doing a lot for the people. We are with him and we love him. He should continue these programmes when he returns to office in 2027," she said.
