Ondo, Osun, Ekiti residents speak against price-gouging of food stuffs, drinks - Report

Author: Bright Olorungbotemi

Ilesha market

Amid the prevalence of harsh economy, rising unemployment, and insecurity in Nigeria, residents of the three state in south western region tour by our correspondent, comprises of Ondo, Osun, Ekiti state are expressing concern that the cost of foodstuffs and other commodities have continued to increase astronomically.

According to VAM News' market survey in Ilesha local government area of Osun state, where a bottle of Coca-Cola drinks currently sells for N120 against the initial price of N100, also a table water currently sells for N60 against N50 old price to residents among many other commodities.

A trader in Ado-Ekiti local government area of Ekiti State said the foodstuff market are undergoing serious challenges due to economic problems facing the country.

Some of the market Women in Akure, the Ondo state capital who spoke with our correspondent attributed the hike in prices of food items to the closure of the nation's land borders, high exchange rate, bandits attack on farmers and increasing fuel pump price which has affected the cost of transporting goods from farms to urban centres.

A small size of onion sells for N100, while a bottle of palm oil, which sells for N300 two months ago; now sell for N400 to N500 per bottle. Vegetable oil sold at the rate of N400 is now N600; A bag of Okro which which was sold last for N3 000 is being sold now at N8 000.

One of the traders, Sifau Momoh, stated that as a matter of necessity, the state government and Federal Government needs to address the aforestated issues, to restore price monitoring, peace and progress to the country.

Also speaking, Iyaloja of Isua Akoko area, Helen Edward, hinged the unbearable cost of groceries on deplorable roads linking rural areas where production of foods emanate.

On Insecurity ravaging the State, she urged security agencies to be proactive in order combat kidnapping and banditry.

It will recalled that Madam Helen was abducted few months ago along side with other women traders on Akure-Ogbese road in Akure North Local Government.

However, she appealed to the government to introduce schemes that will mitigate poverty, while urging Government to implement its poverty alleviation plans, to curb insecurity and youth restiveness.

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