Ondo residents fault N5,000 subsidised chicken scheme

By Boye Oyeyemi

Residents of Ondo State have expressed mixed reactions to the state government’s N5,000 subsidised chicken scheme, with some describing it as helpful while others argue that it offers limited relief to households struggling with rising food prices.

The programme, introduced through the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) on October 21, allows residents to buy frozen chickens weighing between 1.3kg and 1.6kg for N5,000. The government said the initiative was designed to ease household expenses and improve access to affordable protein.

However, a resident, Bisi Akinwale, said the scheme did little to address the broader economic challenges facing families. She noted that purchasing chicken was only one part of the cost of preparing a meal, as households also had to pay for other essential items.

According to her, the cost of cooking ingredients, gas and other basic necessities continued to put pressure on household budgets. She urged the government to introduce policies that would improve purchasing power and make essential commodities more affordable.

In contrast, another resident, Tunde Falana, welcomed the initiative, particularly with the Christmas season approaching, when many families traditionally include chicken in their celebrations. He, however, noted that the N5,000 price remained unaffordable for some low-income earners.

Falana also called on the government to prioritise measures that would reduce the overall cost of living. He said many workers struggled to meet their personal needs and provide food for their families with their current earnings.

Similarly, another resident, Segun Adesanya, questioned the sustainability of the scheme, alleging that it could be aimed at winning public support ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged the government to focus on long-term economic policies rather than temporary interventions.

Responding to the concerns, the Chairman of OSAEC, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, said the initiative was being implemented on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to help households cope with rising food costs.