Ogun state witnessed usual activities that normally precede Eid-el-Kabir celebration despite the state government’s directive that puts ban on eid gathering and partying so as to prevent further spread of coronavirus during the festival.
Swagenews observed that residents in the state still trooped out to engage in last minute buying activities in festive mood.
Our crew who visited Ota township reported traffic gridlock as a result of unusual flow of traffic in and out of the town in view of the eid-el-kabir popularly known as ileya festival.
Although residents lamented that they do not have enough money to buy their needs due to economic hardship suffered as a result of COVID-19, the popular Ota General market in the town still played host to herd of buyers and sellers, engaging in transactions towards celebrating ileya festival. Muslim faithfuls complaint of high cost of rams which is symbolic to the Islamic festival.
A drive round Ota township revealed long queues at ATM points.
At Justrite supermarket, customers engaged in last minute shopping. The shoppers were few in number, a situation many attributed to lack of money but the customers complied with the mandatory use of face masks as expected.
In Ijebu-Ode, the two popular ram markets at Imowo and Lagos motor park witnessed high patronage from ram buyers. Motorcycles riders hiked there charges to quickly make more profit as ileya day approaches.
Swagenews was at Oba Adetona market popularly known as Oke-Aje and Olabisi Onabanjo market popularly known as ita-osu repectively in Ijebu-ode. Both market were filled with buyers buying different commodities in festive spirit. At Oke Aje market those who could not afford ram were seen buying fowls. Mrs. Zekinat Amidu told Swagenews that despite the COVID-19 hardship, it was important to thank God for gift of life. She said since ram was too expensive, she and her family can still afford fowl to celebrate in their home.
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