As Christians all over the country join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrateChristmas, LEADERSHIP WEEKEND was at Wuse Market to seek the reaction of Nigerians as they embark on last minute shopping for the Christmas celebration.
Mrs. Dorothy Azikagbon, a kitchen utensils seller at Wuse market, said patronage this festive season is focused on food items. “We give God Almighty the glory for giving us life and another opportunity to see yet another Christmas. During festive periods like this, prices of items are usually high, the annoying thing is that there isn’t enough money in circulation and when there is no purchasing power, how do you shop? What people are interested in is having food to eat on that day. As you can see, the market is full but people are heading towards the food item section of the market,” she said.
Mr. Moses Ben, a second hand clothes seller said, ‘‘Business has been good this festive season. Ladies are really buying a lot even though prices have gone up a bit, they don’t seem to mind. Before now, we sell a top for N1, 000 and N1,500, but for this festive period, that same top goes for as much as N1,900 and N2,000. In some cases, we sell at N2,500. Christmas sales this year have really surprised me, unlike other years that women neglect us and go to already made clothes and fabrics meant for sewing. I have cause to smile because business is good.”
Miss Stella Ezechukwu who braids hair and fixes nails said, “Business is good, we give God the glory. As you can see, there isn’t that much patronage because people tried to make their hair earlier to avoid last minute rush and some have already travelled. But in all, business is okay and we can’t complain.
A trader at the market who specialises in children’s clothes, Mrs. Abosede Fagboyo, said, ‘‘Patronage is good; as you know, people will always buy clothes for their kids even if the adults don’t wear anything new,? otherwise there could be trouble in the house. Prices have gone up slightly, there are gowns for girls for as much as N16,000. Those clothes we sold for N4,000 last? year are sold for N7,000 now.
Mallam Audu Abdullahi, a vegetable seller laments on the high prices of food items. ‘‘People are complaining of the prices of food items. Green pepper that goes for N50 a piece is now N70; you either buy or leave it. A bunch of lettuce leaves previously sold for N20 is now N50.
LEADERSHIP WEEKEND also spoke to some last minute shoppers at the market and this is what they had to say. Miss Charity Agbo said was in the market to put finishing touches to her preparation for Christmas. ‘‘I am doing my last minute shopping today because the market will be crazy tomorrow. I have done my Christmas shopping way back in November to avoid the crazy hike in prices. What I’m buying today are few food items.”