Lagos govt. trains and empowers fruit, vegetable sellers

Fruit and vegetable vendors in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area now have more authority according to the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, which aims to lower post-harvest loss.

The program gave them access to refrigerators, fruit blenders, and generator sets, according to Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, permanent secretary of the ministry of local government and community affairs.

Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses in Fruits and Vegetables in Lagos State was the focus of the one-day empowerment training event held in collaboration with Igando Ikotun Local Council Development Area, according to Bolarinwa.

She continued by saying that the training was intended to increase the traders' sales and general well-being.

Bolarinwa, who was represented by Ms. Olajumoke Ola, a Director in the ministry, praised the traders for their significant turnout and assured them of the government's continued support.

She claimed that the state government had seen that the community was actively engaged in the production of fruits and vegetables, which led to the training and empowerment of the local traders.

“We observed that you are in the midst of many people in this area, so we discussed with the HOD Agriculture in the council and we came up with this initiative.

“We aim to improve people’s livelihood by reducing wastage in fruits.

“The government is also working toward organizing more training which will be useful for you in managing your business.

“I urge you all to utilize this opportunity as it will add value to your market.

“Aside from the fact that this will curb wastage, these fruits will also be of good benefits to the body,” she said.

The state government and the head of the council were praised by Mrs. Mojisola Badmus, vice chairman of the Igando-Ikotun LCDA, for conducting the training.

Badmus noted that it will enhance the traders' standard of living.

“We sell perishable goods so there is a need to address wastage. This initiative is from the Lagos State Government and I commend Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the support,” she said.

According to Badmus, the administration, both at the state and municipal levels, is aware of the people's predicament and will keep trying to improve their standard of living.

The government's move was praised by Mr. Musefiu Ayantoye, Market Leader for the Fruits and Vegetable Sellers Association at Igando-Ikotun LCDA, who noted that it was a positive development for the association's members.

Ayantoye pushed the group to get behind the program because it would significantly boost their sales and standard of living.

The Iyaloja, Fruits and Vegetables Sellers Association's Mrs. Iswat Isiaka praised the idea as well.

It was the first of its sort, according to Isiaka, who urged for more to be done to advance the value chain.

Source