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For many Muslims, the Eid-el Kabir celebration is a time to be merry, a period to give, share love and slaughter rams to be shared with neighbours.
At this period, the aroma of the varieties of dishes coupled with the scent of seasoned meat is a major feature of the kitchen, while wearing of Abaya and others complements the tradition.
However, this year’s celebration seems bleak. Many Nigerians are lamenting the high cost of rams, and food items, forcing them to buy little for a huge amount.
The Guardian spoke with some Nigerians who advised the Nigerian government to lessen the burden of the high cost of living, hike in the price of commodities and focus on rebuilding the economy as they lament the inability to afford ram and others.
The Guardian observed that there was no slaughtering of ram or cow in some of the places it was done last year and some of those who were able to afford a cow last year went for a Ram this year.
In places visited, they blamed the government on the removal of fuel subsidy which has led to the increase of everything in the country, lack of opportunities and others.
Speaking with The Guardian, Alhaji Kazeem Fawole lamented that he was unable to but the quality of ram he used to buy and distribute to his neighbours.
I was able to buy two rams this year and it cost me N450,000 which suppose not to be more than N120,000 each.
I commend those who did not borrow to slaughter this year. It’s against the norms to borrow to buy rams because those who came to eat will not be there when creditors come calling. People should remember that they will also have to pay for school fees for their children and utility bill.
For example, the bill of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is killing us in my area so, we need to consider a lot of things.
Advising the government, Fawole said: “A lot of things is going on with the government and it’s only God who has been intervening. The electorates are part of the problem because I saw so many persons in the homes of Councilors and I wonder about the salary of a Councillor, are we not aiding corruption? So, the government should do the right thing so that everyone will sit up. There are
critical decisions the Federal Government need to take that will shake everyone. The government should endure an enabling environment for people to live and earn a decent living.
Also, Alhaji Muktar Subair, said: “This celebration is a commandment from Allah. This celebration has nothing to do with polo but if there is no peace in the land, it will also affect religion and everything. We have a good leader as president, Muhammadu Buhari who tried his best as a military man but he cannot do everything. This year, we have a politician as President, Bola Ahmed
Tinubu and he understands the intricacies of politics and he has installed people so, his administration is starting well.
“The change in Naira also contributed to the present situation in the country, made us poor but we hope for better amid the rise in prices of everything.
On his part, Semiu Akinlagun said: “I am grateful to God because feel blessed than last year, I slaughter double the Ram I slaughtered last year and I hope next year will be blessed.
“Some are unable to afford this year and I pray next year will be better. And to the government, the government should look into the price of things in the market.
Also, Olaolapon Olalekan, lamented that little has been done to lessen the burden on the people. “Many business owners are lamenting and they are badly affected. I’m unable to buy the kind of Ram I’d wished to buy. The situation in the country calls for concern.
Speaking with The Guardian, Alhaji Ajadi Dolapo Jelil Price of ram has increased just like every other thing in the market. We have to celebrate with what we can afford.
Muslims should thank God for being alive and in good health and know that others are secondary.
“The ram we used to buy for N100,000 is now sold for N200,000, no one can buy a ram below N150,000 now and that’s a ram just a family can use to prepare meals.
Even transport now charges N20,000 to convey the ram they used to convey for N10,000 due to the price of fuel.
“Ram is meant to be slaughtered and shared with people around to make them happy but we are in a situation where only few can afford to do so.
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