By IME BASSEY

LAGOS – Hundreds of Lagosians, weekend, converged on Alimoso for the launch of Rochas Rural Market Scheme, an initiative of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, to bring food closer to the poor.

At the launch, the coordinator of the scheme, Prince Ebunola Martins, said the scheme was an idea of Gov. Okororocha to further alleviate poverty in the rural areas by selling food items cheaper.

He said Lagos was chosen as the pioneer state in the South- West to kick-start the scheme and that the gesture would  be extended to other states.

“ In this market a 5-litre keg of palm oil that is sold at N1,500 will be sold for only N700; onions that are sold for 500 will be sold at N250; a tuber of yam that is sold at N250 will be sold for N150 while tomatoes and pepper will be sold at prices that are far less than the market prices,” he declared while stating that the market will soon start to open for business every Saturday in Alimosho Local Government and other local governments in Lagos State.

Some of the buyers who spoke at the market described the gesture as rare. According to Mrs. Pat Isuobinna, “Governor Rochas Okorocha has been able to do what others have not been able to do. Imagine people buying foodstuffs at unbelievable prices. People have been able to buy so much with small amount of money. No doubt this programme is commendable.”

Another woman, Mrs Oby Ezenna, said; “Governor Rochas Okorocha should be commended for the kind gesture and for all that he is presently doing in Imo State, especially the free education programme.”