Hon. Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Marketing Company, has outlined the far-reaching benefits of the Workers’ Food Scheme introduced by the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures on workers while deepening structured market access for rural farmers across the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking while addressing staff of the Enugu State Ministry of Trade and Investment, Engr. Ogbuekwe explained that the scheme is designed to create a sustainable food supply chain that directly links farmers to consumers, eliminates unnecessary middlemen, and guarantees fair and stable pricing.
A major highlight of the initiative is the Buy-Now-Pay-from-Salary model, which enables workers to access quality food items promptly, with payment conveniently deducted directly from their monthly salaries.
According to him, this approach ensures affordability and predictability for civil servants while guaranteeing steady and assured demand for farm produce.
Engr. Ogbuekwe also drew attention to the Enugu Market App, a digital trading platform developed to facilitate seamless ordering, distribution, and payment for agricultural and household products.
Through the app, workers can conveniently access food items from verified local producers, while farmers benefit from assured markets, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved income stability.
In addition, he noted that the Workers’ Food Scheme goes beyond food access by creating economic opportunities for civil servants engaged in production, processing, or trading. Such workers, he said, are encouraged to showcase and sell their products through the Enugu State Marketing Company, thereby expanding market reach and promoting inclusive economic participation.
Engr. Ogbuekwe stressed that the initiative represents a significant leap in structured market linkage for rural farmers, leveraging technology, organised demand, and salary-backed purchasing to strengthen the agricultural value chain in Enugu State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Marketing Company to fully align with Governor Peter Mbah’s development agenda by promoting digital commerce, supporting local production, and building a resilient, people-centred economy that works for both workers and farmers.