₦airaland Forum

Many Muslims had a low-key Eid-el-Fitr celebration following the growing cost of living, which made it difficult for many to celebrate in their usual style.

The surge in the prices of food, fuel, and transportation, along with ongoing security concerns, significantly affected the festive spirit across several parts of the country.

In the northern part of the country, Muslims called for prayers to end the insecurity, hardship, and economic challenges facing the country.

However, there was a low turnout of Muslim worshippers during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Zamfara State due to the economic hardship that has ravaged the country.


The usual heavy vehicular traffic going to the Eid praying grounds to observe Sallah prayers were absent this year as only few people could afford to drive their vehicles around town.

Similarly, very few people were able to buy new clothes or even cook good food for their families for the celebration.

The usual presentation of Sallah gifts (popularly known as goron Sallah) to loved ones had also reduced drastically.


A resident of Gusau town, Mainasara Mohammed, told The PUNCH that he did not buy new clothes for his wives and children due to the economic predicament.

He admitted that it was the first time that he would deny his children new dresses during Sallah celebrations.

“For the first time in my life, I could not buy new clothes for my family,” Mohammed lamented.

Also, Senator Lawal Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, enjoined all faithful in his constituency, Kaduna and all over Nigeria to use the occasion of the Sallah to pray for an end to the perennial insecurity, hardship, and economic challenges confronting the country.

“I urge all Muslims to use this occasion to pray for peace, security, and prosperity in our country. We must come together to pray for an end to the challenges facing us as a nation,” Usman said.

However, the economic challenges facing the country made it difficult for many Muslims to celebrate the festival with the usual fanfare.

“Last year’s celebrations were more elaborate; this year, many Muslims have had to scale down their celebrations due to the economic challenges. However, we remain grateful to Allah for the blessings we have received,” Malam Abdullahi, a resident of Kaduna, told The PUNCH.


Despite the challenges, Muslim groups in the state have emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty, and dedication to duty.

“As Muslims, we must continue to uphold the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity. We must also strive to promote peace, understanding, and harmony in our communities,” Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdulkadir, an Islamic scholar in Kaduna, stated.

The Gombe State Chairman of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Mohammed Deba, said there was no visible difference between this year’s Ramadan and last year’s.

He said, “This is the same as last year (2024). This is because of the situation on ground. Since this government emerged, no human development and everything remained the same. The level of poverty has remained unabated. However, many are getting used to the hardship already.”

In Sokoto, a Muslim group named Liberty Progressive Association commended Muslims in the state for peaceful conduct during the celebration.

The group, made up of young Muslim professionals in the state, said despite the hardship, the celebrators enjoyed a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr.

The chairman of the group, Mallam Jamiu Afolabi, said, “This year’s celebration was okay even though there was no money, but residents of the state were able to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.

“Compare this to some years back, when things were bad, with many accidents recorded, but thank God it was fine this year.

“We also commend the state government for making things easier with the prompt payment of salary in addition to the numerous support given to workers during the Ramadan period.”

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, witnessed a calm and relaxed atmosphere during the celebration.

Some residents who spoke with The PUNCH in Maiduguri said that while the security situation had significantly improved, the economic situation remained the only barrier to the Sallah celebrations in this state.

“Just like everywhere, Borno is calm this period. Though we had a memorable Sallah celebration, but you can’t compare it with previous years,” a resident, Kida Abdulsalam, said.

“It has been about cutting cost. However, I must commend the security agencies for the peace we are currently enjoying.”

Similarly, Hassan Fatima, another resident, noted that families struggled to make ends meet.


“In this period, who spends anyhow? They prioritise food and what children will wear. Thank God we were not shamed. The Aallah came at a time when the economy is biting everyone hard, food prices are at an all-time high,” she said


Major roads across Osun State on Monday experienced light traffic as residents observed the Eid-el-Fitri holidays with their loved ones in the state.

Many hitherto busy routes, especially within Osogbo, the state capital, experienced light traffic, while a similar situation also played out in other major roads across the state.

In Ota Efun and Igbona markets, both located within the Osogbo metropolis, many shops did not open for business.

Our correspondent, who observed traffic situation in Ota-Efun-Igbona route, Olaiya-Oke Baale route, Gbongan/Osogbo road and Oke Fia-Dele Yes Sir area, noted that few mini-buses that were operational contended with a reduced number of commuters.

A mini-bus operator, who identified himself simply as Peter, said the economic situation in the country played a major role in the fewer number of commuters on the road.

“Many people preferred to stay at home and celebrate Eid with their loved ones instead of going around paying visits to people in far places. The cost of living and transportation is high and people don’t have that excess money to throw around.

“Also, the harsh weather played a part too. Because of the heat, many people stayed indoors during the day time and choose to go out when it is evening time. Many bus operators are not working due to low patronage,” Peter said.

Also, while giving traffic report across the state in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Monday, Osun Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Adeyemi Shokunbi, said major routes in the state experienced limited traffic during the Eid holiday.

Shokunbi stated, “Osogbo-Sekona route, light traffic, Osogbo-Ikirun route, light traffic, Osogbo-Ilesa road, light traffic, Ilesa-Akure road, low traffic, Ilesa-Ife route, low traffic, Iwo-Ejigbo-Osogbo road, light traffic, Ibadan-Ife expressway, light traffic and Ikirun-Ilaodo road, light traffic.”

However, Muslims in Oyo and Ogun states told The PUNCH they had a memorable celebration on Sunday.

Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Kunle Sanni, said Muslims in the state were not affected by the present economic realities and rather ate and drank to their satisfaction during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

He said this was made possible as Muslims heeded the message to be their brother’s keeper, ensuring that their neighbours were not hungry.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Sanni said the magnanimity of rich Muslims, political office holders who are Muslims and the Federal Government also helped ensure that they had a memorable celebration.

“One would have thought things would be very difficult for Muslims, but it was the other way round. We constantly passed the message that Muslims should be their brother’s keeper, and they heeded it. They took the admonition this year to heart.

“We said that a Muslim should not feel well when others are hungry. We told them that if every Nigerian takes care of their neighbours, no one will be hungry. This year, Muslims had more than enough to eat.

“Politicians, especially our Senators and House of Representatives members, also supported with food items. The Federal Government as well as rich Muslims also provided bags of rice and other food items which were distributed across the 33 local government areas of the state,” Sanni said.

He added, “We also enjoyed divine intervention as the prices of food items came down before the celebration. So, we had a good celebration this year, even better than last year,” Sanni added.

Similarly, Chief Imam of Albarka Islamic Society of Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said Muslims trooped out enmasse and had a joyous celebration.

“The celebration went well as many Muslims trooped out to celebrate with their families and they enjoyed themselves. Muslims went to various parks to enjoy themselves. Some visited friends and well-wishers to share the joy of the celebration together,” Agboke said.


In Lagos, some traders endured low patronage as Muslims had a quiet celebration.

“Even though this isn’t the big Sallah, the sales were just too low for those of us selling clothes. In time past, we made huge sales as families came shopping but this year we hardly had people who bought clothes. Personally, I never had it so bad,” a trader in Yaba market, Chuks, told The PUNCH.

A food seller in Oja-Oba, Abule Egba, Rose Aigbe, added, “It was business as usual, we didn’t make as much as we used to during festive periods. We all know the economy is biting hard on all Nigerians.”

It was same story at the Sunday Market in Ogba, where a fish seller, who identified herself simply as Mariam, said, “I stocked my freezers ahead of the celebration but only few customers came out to buy fish.”

Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress for the hardship in the land.

In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, said, “The PDP is deeply disturbed that while citizens of other countries are celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr in plenty, Nigerians are dampened in spirit due to the unbearable hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which has worsened in the last two years.

“Our party urges Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions at all levels, to re-dedicate themselves to the path of selfless service guided by love, truth, fairness, honesty and impartiality in all their activities and put away acts of corruption, arrogance, manipulation and insensitivity to the plight of the people.


“Indeed, the Eid-el-Fitr offers us as a nation and humanity the divine portal to redeem our nation by standing up for justice, strict adherence to the Rule of Law and accountability in the polity.”

Source: https://punchng.com/Eid-el-Fitr-Low-key-celebrations-as-Nigerians-lament-hardship

After many Nigerians accepted peanuts to vote fraudsters, they have to adjust their expectations and suffer for some time this Eid el fitri and easter.

Maybe they will get sense in next election period.

Lol......

The same market I went and I was baffled with how people stack goods out of the market.....

Agents of bad news......

In the northern part of the country, Muslims ca.


The usual heavy vehicular traffic going to the Eid praying grounds to observe Sallah prayers were absent this year as only few people could afford to drive their vehicles around town.

Similarly, very few people were able to buy new clothes or even cook good food for their families for the celebration.

The usual presentation of Sallah gifts (popularly known as goron Sallah) to loved ones had also reduced drastically.


A resident of Gusau town, Mainasara Mohammed, told The PUNCH that he did not buy new clothes for his wives and children due to the economic predicament.

He admitted that it was the first time that he would deny his children new dresses during Sallah celebrations.

“For the first time in my life, I could not buy new clothes for my family,” Mohammed lamented.

Also, Senator Lawal Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, enjoined all faithful in his constituency, Kaduna and all over Nigeria to use the occasion of the Sallah to pray for an end to the perennial insecurity, hardship, and economic challenges confronting the country.

“I urge all Muslims to use this occasion to pray for peace, security, and prosperity in our country. We must come together to pray for an end to the challenges facing us as a nation,” Usman said.

However, the economic challenges facing the country made it difficult for many Muslims to celebrate the festival with the usual fanfare.

“Last year’s celebrations were more elaborate; this year, many Muslims have had to scale down their celebrations due to the economic challenges. However, we remain grateful to Allah for the blessings we have received,” Malam Abdullahi, a resident of Kaduna, told The PUNCH.


Despite the challenges, Muslim groups in the state have emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty, and dedication to duty.

“As Muslims, we must continue to uphold the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity. We must also strive to promote peace, understanding, and harmony in our communities,” Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdulkadir, an Islamic scholar in Kaduna, stated.

The Gombe State Chairman of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Mohammed Deba, said there was no visible difference between this year’s Ramadan and last year’s.

He said, “This is the same as last year (2024). This is because of the situation on ground. Since this government emerged, no human development and everything remained the same. The level of poverty has remained unabated. However, many are getting used to the hardship already.”

In Sokoto, a Muslim group named Liberty Progressive Association commended Muslims in the state for peaceful conduct during the celebration.

The group, made up of young Muslim professionals in the state, said despite the hardship, the celebrators enjoyed a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr.

The chairman of the group, Mallam Jamiu Afolabi, said, “This year’s celebration was okay even though there was no money, but residents of the state were able to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.

“Compare this to some years back, when things were bad, with many accidents recorded, but thank God it was fine this year.

“We also commend the state government for making things easier with the prompt payment of salary in addition to the numerous support given to workers during the Ramadan period.”

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, witnessed a calm and relaxed atmosphere during the celebration.

Some residents who spoke with The PUNCH in Maiduguri said that while the security situation had significantly improved, the economic situation remained the only barrier to the Sallah celebrations in this state.

“Just like everywhere, Borno is calm this period. Though we had a memorable Sallah celebration, but you can’t compare it with previous years,” a resident, Kida Abdulsalam, said.

“It has been about cutting cost. However, I must commend the security agencies for the peace we are currently enjoying.”

Similarly, Hassan Fatima, another resident, noted that families struggled to make ends meet.


“In this period, who spends anyhow? They prioritise food and what children will wear. Thank God we were not shamed. The Aallah came at a time when the economy is biting everyone hard, food prices are at an all-time high,” she said


Major roads across Osun State on Monday experienced light traffic as residents observed the Eid-el-Fitri holidays with their loved ones in the state.

Many hitherto busy routes, especially within Osogbo, the state capital, experienced light traffic, while a similar situation also played out in other major roads across the state.

In Ota Efun and Igbona markets, both located within the Osogbo metropolis, many shops did not open for business.

Our correspondent, who observed traffic situation in Ota-Efun-Igbona route, Olaiya-Oke Baale route, Gbongan/Osogbo road and Oke Fia-Dele Yes Sir area, noted that few mini-buses that were operational contended with a reduced number of commuters.

A mini-bus operator, who identified himself simply as Peter, said the economic situation in the country played a major role in the fewer number of commuters on the road.

“Many people preferred to stay at home and celebrate Eid with their loved ones instead of going around paying visits to people in far places. The cost of living and transportation is high and people don’t have that excess money to throw around.

“Also, the harsh weather played a part too. Because of the heat, many people stayed indoors during the day time and choose to go out when it is evening time. Many bus operators are not working due to low patronage,” Peter said.

Also, while giving traffic report across the state in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Monday, Osun Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Adeyemi Shokunbi, said major routes in the state experienced limited traffic during the Eid holiday.

Shokunbi stated, “Osogbo-Sekona route, light traffic, Osogbo-Ikirun route, light traffic, Osogbo-Ilesa road, light traffic, Ilesa-Akure road, low traffic, Ilesa-Ife route, low traffic, Iwo-Ejigbo-Osogbo road, light traffic, Ibadan-Ife expressway, light traffic and Ikirun-Ilaodo road, light traffic.”

However, Muslims in Oyo and Ogun states told The PUNCH they had a memorable celebration on Sunday.

Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Kunle Sanni, said Muslims in the state were not affected by the present economic realities and rather ate and drank to their satisfaction during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

He said this was made possible as Muslims heeded the message to be their brother’s keeper, ensuring that their neighbours were not hungry.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Sanni said the magnanimity of rich Muslims, political office holders who are Muslims and the Federal Government also helped ensure that they had a memorable celebration.

“One would have thought things would be very difficult for Muslims, but it was the other way round. We constantly passed the message that Muslims should be their brother’s keeper, and they heeded it. They took the admonition this year to heart.

“We said that a Muslim should not feel well when others are hungry. We told them that if every Nigerian takes care of their neighbours, no one will be hungry. This year, Muslims had more than enough to eat.

“Politicians, especially our Senators and House of Representatives members, also supported with food items. The Federal Government as well as rich Muslims also provided bags of rice and other food items which were distributed across the 33 local government areas of the state,” Sanni said.

He added, “We also enjoyed divine intervention as the prices of food items came down before the celebration. So, we had a good celebration this year, even better than last year,” Sanni added.

Similarly, Chief Imam of Albarka Islamic Society of Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said Muslims trooped out enmasse and had a joyous celebration.

“The celebration went well as many Muslims trooped out to celebrate with their families and they enjoyed themselves. Muslims went to various parks to enjoy themselves. Some visited friends and well-wishers to share the joy of the celebration together,” Agboke said.


In Lagos, some traders endured low patronage as Muslims had a quiet celebration.

“Even though this isn’t the big Sallah, the sales were just too low for those of us selling clothes. In time past, we made huge sales as families came shopping but this year we hardly had people who bought clothes. Personally, I never had it so bad,” a trader in Yaba market, Chuks, told The PUNCH.

A food seller in Oja-Oba, Abule Egba, Rose Aigbe, added, “It was business as usual, we didn’t make as much as we used to during festive periods. We all know the economy is biting hard on all Nigerians.”

It was same story at the Sunday Market in Ogba, where a fish seller, who identified herself simply as Mariam, said, “I stocked my freezers ahead of the celebration but only few customers came out to buy fish.”

Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress for the hardship in the land.

In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, said, “The PDP is deeply disturbed that while citizens of other countries are celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr in plenty, Nigerians are dampened in spirit due to the unbearable hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which has worsened in the last two years.

“Our party urges Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions at all levels, to re-dedicate themselves to the path of selfless service guided by love, truth, fairness, honesty and impartiality in all their activities and put away acts of corruption, arrogance, manipulation and insensitivity to the plight of the people.


“Indeed, the Eid-el-Fitr offers us as a nation and humanity the divine portal to redeem our nation by standing up for justice, strict adherence to the Rule of Law and accountability in the polity.”

Source: https://punchng.com/Eid-el-Fitr-Low-key-celebrations-as-Nigerians-lament-hardship[/quote]

Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria

Those who tell you things is getting better, let them go round where they live and see how difficult life has been for many people, but they love to hide the truth with propaganda. To navigate from Oshodi to Ajah, you need N5000 to and fro. How many people make that daily. Our lovers of Nigeria will tell you this is the best government. Good thing is life has a way of balancing out.

[quote author=helinues post=134796430]Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria /quote]
But they provides cushions packages for their Citizens, not inform of 1 derica of rice o, but positively impacted policies.

Mu-Mu ticket

helinues:
Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria

Make I laugh

Self employed little for the day' I thank God.

I have things to do in the world. Five hundred words or less.

I’ve read this same story for every celebration since 1990. If celebrations are extravagant, media houses keep quiet. Once situations are shaky, articles galore. I’ve gone deaf to the condition. I no wan hear the same story every day. Na my life I go face.

Live within your means. There's no saviour anywhere, this is bound to happen

Tinubus fault

Muslim-Muslim!!!

All muslims are entitled to free sallah meat 🍖🐮

I thought when they were selling Muslim Muslim ticket to our muslim brothers, they idea was that they will buy things cheaper in designated Muslim markets,exchange dollars at a better rate at 'Aboki exchangers',cheap health care for muslims,cheaper education for muslims and Dangote fuel will be sold at a very cheap rate in Muslim states and filling stations will drop price once you are a muslim.
Please Nigerians,it is time to wise up,these politicians has long taken us for granted,they use tribe and religion as a weapon.
Some day,we hope to join the rest of the civilized world.
A new Nigeria is possible!

The hardship is Real .
My fear isn't just about the lack of money, but the purchasing power of money.

Omo, 5k no dey reach 5hrs again. And u can't even point at anything substantial u did with it.
Once u buy data, eat one plate of food, transport back home, the money don ex

Dem nova see anything

Dem go learn d hard way

santaclaws:
Muslim-Muslim!!!

All muslims are entitled to free sallah meat 🍖🍖🍖

helinues:
Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria

Stop defending mediocre government

helinues:
Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria

I wonder why APC hasn't employed u as their spokesperson

Let election hold today these same hungry people will still vote rubbish.

Hmmmm

Baba is d next best thing after hott okpa laced with scintillating gbegiri soup combo!


Efonkonbale!

silvoclaira:
Tinubus fault

it is GEJs fault

Hard-chips. Lol

It has not favoured them and their families despite Muslim Muslim ticket

They have not seen anything yet.
If they want to experience the LAMENTATIONS OF JAGABAN,
They should vote for Tinubu in 2027.
They will not even see gari to soak for Sallah.
Let them keep hyping the failed government that have destroyed the economy beyond repair that things are getting better.
See online beggar's is on the increase.
Go to Abuja, Wuse, Berger, Jabi, Gwagwalada, Nyanya and MARABA and see the level of street beggar's very many.
See prostitution in Abuja now is alarming.
Core Northerners are now almost openly involve in prostitution in Abuja right now.
Insecurity is the order of the day.
Even the Federal Capital Abuja is very unsafe and unsecured.
Keep deceiving yourselves that things are getting better.
You will see SHEGE season 2 come 2027.

With christians buying Christmas chicken for as high as 40k in December, it has to be a top delusion to not expect this.
Low key eh? Big salah might not even have any key going by the cost of goats and rams at this point

JASONjnr:
Lol......

The same market I went and I was baffled with how people stag goods out of the market.....

Agents of bad news......

oga shut up which market you go

Celebrate your celebration life is once.








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helinues:
Things are hard everywhere not only in Nigeria

who tell u say ee hard?

everybody dey get steady update on hw to overcome ur calamity enslaver, na u nor knw!