Recession threatens Sallah festivities as ram sellers cry out over low patronage
- Some of the ram markets across Nigeria are experiencing low patronage as Sallah period draws near
- The low patronage in ram markets have also been attributed to economic downturn in Nigeria
- Some Muslims have also said they will ditch rams for either goats or cows shared collectively among neighbours
As preparation for the celebration of the Eid-El-Kabir is in full gear, some of the ram markets across Nigeria are experiencing low patronage.
Premium Times reports that a visit to Zango Market in Tudun Wada, the ‘yan Tumaki ram market Kawo,’ and some other market show that there is relatively low turnout due to the present economic downturn in Nigeria.
The celebration of Eid-El-Kabir which begins on Friday, September 1, as announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, is associated with killing of rams.
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However, as sellers flood the markets, they decry the growing low patronage on the ram business.
One of the ram sellers, Kasimu Sani, said that the outcome of this year's sale is 'scary'.
Sani said: “We are not happy at all this year. What is scary about this year is that many people have collected their salaries in Kaduna and yet nobody is coming here. People are saying they would rather make food available during the festivities than doing Layya which is optional.”
He added that the sellers are careful not to irrationally increase the prices of rams.
“This year, we tried as much as possible to make the rams as cheap as possible. Rams goes for as low as N20,000 for now. If the demand increases, the prices will increase and we are looking at the next two to three days," Sani said.
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Others who spoke on the plight said they believe the prices of rams will be low this year.
A civil servant, Sanusi Danladi, said the size of the rams can no longer be a problem.
Danladi who revealed he was used to buying big rams as an act of 'Ibadah' said he no longer thinks the sizes are an issue.
“I used to buy big rams every year but since last year, size does not matter anymore. It is an act ‘Ibadah’ and what I can afford is what I will buy," he said.
A farmer, Hassan Karami, said he will not be making ram sacrifices this year due to lack of funds.
Karami said he invested all his money into his farming business and he's currently left with nothing.
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He said: "I have no money now and the little I have will be for food that I will provide for my family during the Sallah time.”
It was also gathered that some Muslims have settled for goats rather than rams as an option for their Sallah sacrifices while other a contributing money to buy cow and share.
Sa’idu Bala, a Kaduna resident, said: “I have settled for a goat which I have paid for already. I paid N12,000 for it and that is settled. My neighbours contributed N18,000 each to but one cow for the sacrifice.”
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Legit.ng earlier reported that the Sultan of Sokoto had announced that all Muslims in Nigeria would observe Friday, September 1, as Sallah day.
The Sultan said the announcement followed the sighting of the new moon of Zulhijja on Tuesday, August 22.
He also prayed all and wished Muslims Allah's guidance and protection throughout the period.
Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of how Ramadan affected price of items in the market:
Source: Legit.ng