By Fatima Muraina

As part of efforts by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to make food items available and affordable for the populace, the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has commenced a weekly market named Agric Market.

It is located within the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Alagbaka, Akure.

Speaking at the inaugural event in Akure, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olayato Aribo, FCA, stated that the aim is to make food items cheaper for consumers by allowing them to buy directly from farmers, eliminating the need for middlemen.

In a statement issued by Mr. Sola Omoboyowa, Head of Publicity and Media Relations of the Ministry, it was noted that the Commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Forestry sub-sector, Mr. Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, MNI, who described the turnout as encouraging and successful.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture sub-sector, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, expressed gratitude to the governor for providing an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state and commended the Commissioner for initiating the market.

She added that the market would be open to the public every Thursday, emphasizing that middlemen activities would not be tolerated.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the purpose of the market is to make food available and affordable, allowing farmers to sell their goods directly to consumers.

In an interview with the press, a trader, Mr. Peter Ekopema, praised the agric market initiative, noting that food items are sold at lower prices compared to those outside the market.

He mentioned that the garri he brought was sold at a reasonable and affordable price.

Another buyer, Mr. Augustine Adeoye, commended the agric market program, noting that the prices were cheaper than those in other markets.

He said this initiative would help eliminate the middlemen who contribute to the high cost of food items.

Also speaking, a trader in the market, Mr. Samson Idowu, appreciated the government for introducing the agric market to prevent the extortion of consumers.

He called on the government to replicate the initiative in all 18 local government areas of the state, allowing farmers to sell their produce at fair prices.

He said this would curb the activities of middlemen and associations operating in various markets.