Mixed reactions trail poor Easter patronage in Lagos
Some residents and foodstuff traders in Lagos have differed over lack of patronage and cost foodstuffs at this year’s Easter celebration.
The residents and traders spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos over Easter celebration sale and patronage.
A foodstuff trader at Iyana-Ipaja market, Mr Samuel Nwabueze, decried the low patronage of consumers during this year’s Easter.
Nwabueze attributed the development to the low purchasing power of Nigerians.
“Sales have really been low from Good Friday, the patronage this year doesn’t seem as if there is any celebration going on.
“The patronage of foodstuffs presently is just like any other weekend, nothing special.
“Only a few consistent customers who I know will still patronise us, is what I still hope for increased this Easter period,” Nwabueze said.
On his part, another foodstuff trader at Ile-Epo market, popularly known as Alhaji Yellow, said patronage was usual with nothing special.
“People are buying as they would on a normal weekend.
“There no exorbitant sales and we are glad to sell to those who can still buy.
“The price of our food items have not really increased. A 50kg bag of rice still sells between N65,000 and N85,000 depending on the brand the customer wants.
“A bag of beans sells between N75,000 and N80,000 still depending on the brand the customer wants.
“We sure hope for good sales this Easter in spite of the low patronage,” he said.
A consumer at Aboru area of the state, Mrs Lilian Agunbiade, said she didn’t even remember it was Easter celebrations because of lack of funds to shop.
“I didn’t even remember it was Easter celebrations because I don’t have the funds to buy things for the celebration.
“Although the prices of food items are quite fair, a neighbour bought two baskets of tomatoes at a very good price because we have few people buying.
“We do hope for a joyful Easter celebration even if some of us cannot afford to buy things for the celebration,” Agunbiade said.
Another consumer at the Shasha area of the state, Mrs Ajuma Ajeka, said she would celebrate the Easter cost or no cost.
Ajeka observed that the prices of food items were relatively affordable.
“Easter is meant to be celebrated, money or no money.
“Though I didn’t buy a big basket of tomatoes because it will be too much for what I need.
“I bought two buckets of big tomatoes for N3,000 each and I believe it is a fair deal considering tomatoes are out of season.
“A basket of peppers also sold for N3,500 and onions was most affordable today, I bought a big portion of onions for N2,000.
“I think the prices are fair for people that really have the intention to celebrate Easter,” Ajuma said.
Also, Mrs Abiodun Green at Dopemu area of the state, said the prices of food items were relatively affordable this Easter.
Green said she would buy only what she needs.
“We thank God for Easter but I will only buy what I can afford for myself and children to celebrate this Easter.
“Although, I think the cost of food items did not go overboard this year, one can only live within their means,” she said.
