Bleak Easter looms in Ondo, as residents lament rising food prices

Following the continuous rise in the prices of food items, there are strong indications that residents of the Sunshine State will not enjoy the Easter celebration as usual, Allnews.ng reports. 

In exclusive interviews with many stakeholders, they posited that the celebration which typifies the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would not be as usual due to the spiraling cost of food items occasioned by the current economic downturn. 

Some of them expressed dissatisfaction with the prevailing situation, stating that hardship had taken a great toll on them, thereby plunging them into debt with no hope of repaying the creditors. 

A trader at the popular Oja-Oba market in Akure, the state capital, Mrs. Eyinjuoluwa Busola whose sobriquet is 'Eyinju', lamented that a bag of rice was sold for N85, 500, while 10 litres of groundnut oil goes for N16, 500.

Eyinjuoluwa who said she earlier had the premonition of a cheerless easter, noted that buyers were unable to afford the new prices of food items which in turns affected her sales. 

The grocery seller also added that ever since the economy nosedived, she had been obtaining loans with high interest to shore up her business as well as earn infinitesimal profit from her shop. 

She asked, Can you believe it? A bag of rice is now being sold for N85,500, and 10 liters of groundnut oil for N16,500. 

“I had a feeling this Easter would be gloomy, and now buyers can't afford these prices. It is affecting my sales, Since the economy took a downturn, I have had to take loans with interest just to keep my business afloat and make a tiny profit from my shop.” 

“The government should look into this unpalatable situation we are in, it is not easy for traders during this period” 

Another trader, Bukola Jimmy who expressed optimism about the dire situation said, “Buying food has become super expensive. Rice which used to be a regular thing for dinner, costs way too much now. Even veggies and fruits, things we need to stay healthy, are getting pricier by the day.

“Me and my fellow traders are struggling too. Everyday, it feels like the prices just keep going up, making it harder for us to make a living and support our families.

“But I haven't lost hope, because I believe our government can make a difference. I'm asking them to listen to our cries for help and do something fast to make food more affordable for everyone. 

“We can't wait any longer. There are things our leaders can do, like helping out with money or setting rules to keep prices fair. If all these are done we will enjoy the Easter celebration.”

A buyer who gave her name as Ogundare Taye, noted that she came to the market to buy a few things. She compared last year's easter with the forthcoming one and concluded that the 2024 celebration would be joyless because of the debt incurred. 

“Last year during Easter, when I went to the market, I felt really good. I had enough money to buy whatever I wanted. It was so nice not to worry about how much things cost. But this year, it's not the same story. I don't have as much money, so when I went to the market, I had to buy some things on credit from shopkeepers.”

“It's not easy having to owe people money, but I trust that things will get better.”

“Even though I am in a bit of a tough spot this year, I still believe that God will provide for me and my family. He has always been there for us, especially during difficult times. 

“But I have to admit, last year's Easter was really special. It was a time of abundance and joy, and I miss that feeling.

“As I look at the things I bought from the market, some of them were bought with money I didn't have at the time. It's a reminder that sometimes life throws us curveballs, but with faith and patience, we can overcome any challenge. I'll hold onto hope that next year's Easter will be just as wonderful as last year's, if not better,” she said. 

However, the Pastor-in-Charge of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain Fulfillment, Pastor Samuel Ajayi, has urged Christians to trust God during the period of Easter. 

He maintained that believers should reflect on the season and not the high prices of food, adding God will soon turn around the fortunes of the country. 

Another Cleric, the Vicar-in-Charge of St. James African Church Cathedral, Akungba-Akoko, Ven. Samuel Asimolowo enjoined Christians to cut down unnecessary expenses and work with a low budget.

He told Allnews.ng that, “My advice for Christians is to reduce expenses: they should cut down. No unnecessary spending, especially on clothes. Buy only what you can afford and put a hold on any new projects. Focus on spending money on important things for now. Also, try to eat balanced meals, even if it means eating less frequently.”