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, explained 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 said.
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 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
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.