By Sharon Fatogun
Traders in Oshogbo, the capital city of Osun State, have lamented over the low patronage of commodities in the build up to this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festive celebration.
The Islamic celebration, popularly called ‘Ileya’ by the Yorubas and Eid-el-Kabir by the Arabs, is the celebration of the foundation of Islam that is rooted in the life history of Prophet Muhammed (SAW).
A renowned Islamic cleric said “Islamically, this celebration is called Eid-el Adhar and not Eid-el Kabir. It is a season where Muslim Faithful slaughter ram in remembrance of a faithful steward in the Holy Quran. It is in honour of this, that we Muslims observe the potency of the Almighty by killing ram during this period.”
While speaking with our correspondent, Traders in the popular Igbona and Ota-Efun market, situated in the heart of Oshogbo complained of low patronage.
Mrs Adewumi who sells food stuff at Igbona market said “Sales is very low this festive period even though prices of raw foods did not increase. A bag of rice is just N14,500, which has been that way for the past two months. The economic situation in the State is not friendly, and that is why everything is just dull.”
A fabric dealer at Ota-Efun market, Alhaja Bamgboye Shakira also complained of low sales even as the celebration is less than 24 hours.”
Speaking with a buyer at the Igbonna market, Mrs Owolabi Omolade added that she could only afford to buy the basic things needed as she was not financially buoyant to celebrate the season elaborately. “We just have to thank God for life, because if there’s life, there’s hope. I wish to celebrate the Sallah elaborately but as you know, the economy is not smiling at all.” she said.
Lastly, Alhaji Abu Masida who sells ram at Aiyetoro area in Oshogbo said ”As you can see, there are no buyers compared to last year. As a matter of fact, the least amount of ram you can get this period is N50,000, thus making it difficult for people to afford at this time when the economic situation is not friendly.”
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