• Low-key Eid-el-Kabir in Abuja as economic crunch bites harder, takes higher tolls
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The prevailing economic crunch, exemplified by high cost of foodstuff, transportation, clothes and other goods, took the shine off this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festivities in Abuja. Many families opted for a low-key celebration to conserve funds.
Eid-el-Kabir, an Arabic phrase for “Feast of the Sacrifice”, is considered the holier of the two Muslim celebrations. It is usually typified by glitz and glam, but this year’s edition played out differently, as austerity sucked its glow.
While it was devoid of fuel scarcity, many were cash-strapped with insufficient funds to buoy the joy of the season. Ram dealers were also not left out in the wailings. Many customers could not afford a sheep, whose price oscillated between N150,000 and half a million naira. No thanks to high inflation that sprang from the petrol subsidy removal and naira float policy of the Tinubu administration.
Fun hubs like Magic Land, ShopRite in Lugbe, Millennium Park and others did not have the usual crowd of visitors. It was unlike previous Sallah celebrations where fun-seekers literally invaded such spots.
At Lugbe ShopRite, families and friends gathered in small groups to take pictures, share a few cones of ice cream and other snacks. The scenario was the same at Magic Land recreation park. The park, usually jam-packed wore a different look. The volume of visitors shrunk considerably, amplifying the unfriendly economic climate.
For Mrs Lailla Tanko, a seamstress, this year’s Sallah does not call for excessive celebration but sober reflection to thank Allah for His mercies: “I brought my children here mainly for sightseeing and to play with these recreational facilities.
“The prices of food, clothing and other vital goods have tripled. So is the cost of transportation. Petrol price is a no-go area. Salary hasn’t increased. Customers are nowhere to be found. No palliative care and all that but we must still thank God for the gift of life and good health. We pray things get better in months ahead.”
Alhassan Galadima, a father of four, also brought his family to celebrate: “We’re here, hail and hearty. That’s the first thing to thank God for. As per the economic situation, it’s very scathing. The economic policies are coming in quick succession.
“It should be gradual so we won’t over stretch the citizens till we get to a point of revolt. We pray for a better Nigeria but the government should not push people too far. I’m a businessman but I can tell you that things have been so dull lately.”
At the Millennium Park, Adewale Moshood, a printer, lamented: “This 2023 Sallah came with challenges. Expensive petrol, high inflation, low purchasing power and other issues. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking us where we don’t know.
“What you buy today in the market is not what you’d buy the next day.
Yet, no increase in income. I’m not in a paid employment but if my customers are broke, how can they patronise me? How will I survive?”
An ice cream seller at the park, Yusuf Ali, said: “In other Sallah festivities, I sold a box of ice cream within an hour and returned to restock. The demands were usually choking.
“But this year, it’s been tough selling one. I’ve driven around and honked my horn, all to no avail. When people can’t even afford real food, how will those of us who sell snacks survive?”
An Islamic cleric, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullateef, admonished Muslims:
“Even Allah did not compel anyone to go out of their means to perform the rites. We should just be prayerful that Allah directs our leaders to build an economy that will be strong enough to benefit the entire citizenry.”