By Ebunoluwa Sessou

For many families in Eti-Osa, the festive season arrived early—carried in sacks of rice, crates of eggs, bags of garri, beans, cartoons of noodles sold at prices that felt almost unreal.
On Saturday, the usually busy streets of the constituency transformed into a hive of gratitude and quiet excitement as a 50 per cent discount food market opened its gates.

The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu (GOY), a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, with one clear aim: to help residents enjoy Christmas and the New Year without the usual anxiety of rising food costs.

From early morning, long but orderly queues formed as residents picked from a wide range of essentials—rice, beans, gari, yam, palm oil, bread, meat, chicken, fish and noodles.

Some items were slashed by as much as 60 and even 70 per cent, and shoppers were pleasantly surprised with free pepper mixes to complete their festive meals.

For many, it was not just about cheaper food; it was about dignity. Each buyer was allowed up to five items, a simple rule that ensured fairness and gave more families a chance to benefit. In total, more than 10,000 food items were made available.

Speaking amid the bustle, Yishawu explained that the market was part of his broader social intervention efforts.

“We run several programmes from education and digital training to entrepreneurship. But during the festive season, food becomes a major concern. This is our way of easing that burden,” he said.

Though the discount market was introduced for the first time, the lawmaker said plans were already in motion to make it a regular festive feature, pointing to other initiatives such as a free school bus scheme that has run for over five years as proof of his commitment to sustainability.

Importantly, participation was open to all. “No party cards were required,” Yishawu stressed. “We represent everyone. Notices went out through SMS, billboards, flyers and social media. Voter cards were used only to confirm residency and to encourage civic responsibility.”

Local government leaders who witnessed the turnout described the programme as both timely and humane. Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye, noted that with food prices soaring, “every saving counts” for ordinary families.

In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Mrs. Aminat, praised the consistency of the lawmaker’s interventions, saying the market would allow residents to celebrate with less strain.

Among the beneficiaries was a mother of three who clutched her shopping bag tightly, smiling as she spoke. “These prices are amazingly low,” she said. “It means my children will enjoy this Christmas.”

Hours after the programme began, crowds were still trooping in. Standing by as supplies were replenished, Yishawu reassured residents that adequate arrangements had been made to meet demand.

As dusk approached and families headed home with lighter hearts and fuller bags, the message of the day lingered: in a season defined by sharing, a simple act of support can restore hope and make the holidays truly festive.