Eid-el-Kabir: Rising Costs Threaten to Dampen Festive Spirit

As the Eidel-Kabir festival approaches, the rising prices of food items have sparked significant concern among traders and consumers across the country, who are grappling with the impact of these unexpected increases.

With the annual Muslim festival just days away, food prices have escalated to levels higher than anticipated. This development has led to widespread dissatisfaction, as traders and consumers find their budgets and plans for the festival severely strained by the soaring costs.

In preparation for Eidel-Kabir, Dparrot News visited Bodija and Iwo Road markets in Ibadan to assess the current food prices. Market women at Bodija market expressed their frustrations, noting a significant drop in patronage due to the daily price hikes, a stark contrast to previous years when the markets were bustling with activity in anticipation of the festival.

According to Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, a trader at Bodija market, “The prices of rice, vegetable oil, and other essential items have doubled compared to last year. Customers are now buying less because they can’t afford the high prices, which is affecting our sales.”

Similarly, ram sellers have voiced their concerns over security challenges and the high transportation costs involved in moving animals from their southwestern origins. Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, a ram seller, highlighted, “Transporting rams from the North to the South has become more expensive due to fuel price hikes and the need to pay for security along the way. This has made the rams more expensive for consumers.”

These factors have further contributed to the increased prices, compounding the difficulties faced by traders. The high cost of animal feed and other logistical issues have also played a role in driving up the prices of livestock, a key component of Eidel-Kabir celebrations.

Market women have called on the federal government to implement lasting solutions to the persistent price hikes and security issues. They emphasize the need for effective measures to stabilize commodity prices and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for trade. Mrs. Adeyemi added, “We urge the government to intervene and help stabilize the market. Without support, both traders and consumers will continue to suffer.”

As Eidel-Kabir draws near, the rising food prices continue to cast a shadow over the celebrations, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the financial burden on both traders and consumers. The escalating costs threaten to dampen the festive spirit, as many families struggle to afford the traditional foods and livestock that are integral to the celebration.