As part of measures to alleviate hunger and cushion the effects of harsh economic conditions caused by the high costs of goods and services in the country, an Ogun State monarch, Dagburewe of Idowa Kingdom, Ijebu, in Odogbolu Local Government Area, Oba Sikiru Okuribido has established a special market in the community where residents can purchase food items at highly subsidized prices.
The market, located within the community and stocked with goods worth over N500 million, is open to all residents regardless of their religion or political affiliations, according to the traditional ruler.
Oba Okuribido disclosed this while addressing journalists on Monday at his palace to commemorate his one-year coronation anniversary.
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According to him, the market was established with the support of the indigenes of the ancient town (located about six kilometers south of Ijebu-Ode) to jointly alleviate hunger and reduce the financial burden on residents by offering up to a 50% discount on food items, including yam, garri, rice, noodles, and more.
He also revealed that within the first year of his reign, he had facilitated financial support amounting to no less than N100 million as soft loans to farmers, small and medium-scale business owners, and artisans in the community.
“In addition to this,” he added, “we have reorganized the Community Development Associations (CDAs) by splitting them into smaller units to strengthen our security networks, curtail crime and criminality, and address youth restiveness in our town. This has enabled us to enjoy relative peace.”
Oba Okuribido emphasized that these achievements were made possible with the support of the community’s people and particularly the Gbogunmi Ministry.
The royal father also explained the measures put in place to prevent abuse of the subsidized market by individuals who might attempt to purchase items cheaply and resell them for profit.
“For instance, we sell a 50kg bag of rice for N42,000, compared to the approximately N85,000 that the same size costs in the general market elsewhere in the country. The only condition for buyers is that they must be residents of our community. This means they must present a valid resident card issued by the various CDAs in Idowa. People in the community know one another, which further prevents exploitation,” he explained.
Oba Okuribido also highlighted other achievements recorded by the community in the past year, including the payment of WAEC fees for no fewer than 60 students, facilitating scholarships for 23 students, and covering the cost of JAMB forms and preparatory lessons for 50 UTME candidates, all of whom are residents of the community.
The royal father further revealed plans to construct a more befitting palace for the community, noting that approximately N500 million had already been raised for the project, which is set to commence soon.
Oba Okuribido reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of the community and improving the quality of life for its people, while soliciting continued support and cooperation from them.
He said his vision for the community is to foster significant development and ensure that life becomes easier and more enjoyable for its residents.
The week-long coronation anniversary celebration, which will bring together sons and daughters of the community as well as visitors from across the country and abroad, will feature activities such as free medical outreach, football and debate competitions, and a showcase of the town’s rich cultural heritage, among other events.