At approximately 8:40 am, *Mrs. Motunrayo Dada, a businesswoman in her early thirties, stood outside the newly constructed mid-level food agro-hub, Fresh Food Hub, at Idi-Oro in the Mushin axis of the state.
She, along with other shoppers, eagerly anticipated the opening of the gates, a punctual occurrence at 9 am every Saturday. Having left her nearby church service, Dada swiftly ventured to explore the food market for the first time.
Being a regular Mile 12 shopper, she was keen on finding out whether this new food market would offer slightly lower or higher prices compared to Mile 12 market.
“I heard a lot about it on social media and its affordability, so I just want to check out the prices and buy one or two things,” Dada shared with The Record.
On December 17, 2023, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially announced the newly constructed mid-level food agro-hub. The market was officially opened on January 27, 2023, with the attendance of both celebrities and Lagos residents.
The gate opened at 9:02 am, and a rush ensued as everyone entered the impressive building. Inside, a well-lit and spacious structure greeted them, with overhead tag descriptions explaining the various sections in the market.
Resembling a supermarket for fresh produce, the market displayed a variety of items. Fresh vegetables, fruits, plantains, crates of tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and onions adorned different counters. Processed cassava flour, plantain flour, eggs, smoked catfish, meat, and chicken were also available in the market.
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Reports indicate that all the produce in the market are directly sourced from local farms and poultries within the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, revealed that the initiative aims to enable farmers to maximize their profits and empower market women to sell at fair prices.
After exploring the market, Dada admitted that the prices were comparable to market rates in other Lagos markets and not as inexpensive just as publicized on social media.
“A crate of tomatoes here is 33,000. While in Mile 12, I can get it cheaper than this,” she expressed with disappointment.
In contrast to Dada, other shoppers joyfully maneuvered carts filled with vegetables, tubers of yam, and various fresh produce.
Another first-timer and bachelor, Mr. Nsirim Amadi, managed to purchase a medium-sized bunch of plantains for N2000. Amadi shared, “The market is not bad; it’s a good initiative, but the prices are just almost the same as outside.”
*Sarah Johnson, a grocery shopper, found the food hub cheaper and better than her local supermarket.
“I prefer this market because it’s directly from the farmers. I think the initiative can be better, as with everything else, but I like the idea,” she commended while praising the Lagos State Government.
During the commissioning of Fresh Food Hub, the Lagos State Governor mentioned plans for three additional hubs in Agege, Ajah, and Abule-Ado.
“In all, the plan is to construct fifty (50) mid-level agro produce hubs across the state,” stated Sanwo-Olu.
In the bustling heart of Mushin, the Fresh Food Hub stands out as a promising addition to the local landscape and brings the farms closer to the suburb. It aims to alleviate food shortages and enhance uninterrupted food supply at more affordable prices for the residents of the state.
While opinions vary on whether it lives up to the hyped affordability, it undeniably draws attention and sparks discussions. As shoppers navigate through its aisles, the verdict is still out on whether it will become a staple or remain an occasional visit.
Regardless, the Fresh Food Hub stands as a testament to innovation. Its well-lit spaces and diverse offerings invites Lagosians to explore and decide for themselves how it will define their weekly grocery rituals.
*Name changed to protect source’s identity.
