Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
Although the cash crunch occasioned by government’s currency redesign policy has subsided with the return of old Naira notes ahead of Easter celebrations, Nigerians are still battling hikes in prices of transportation and foodstuff, LEADERSHIP WEEKEND checks have revealed.
The federal government had earlier in the week declared Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10, 2023 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration. But findings by this paper revealed that the tough business operating environment, inflation and low disposable income have impeded preparations by Nigerians for the Easter festivity, with prices of foodstuff and transport fare on the rise.
Our correspondents who went round markets and garages across Lagos State and some parts of Ogun State witnessed low turnout of passengers traveling for Easter. Commuters attributed the low turnout to a hike in transport fares.
It was the same scenario in major markets across both states, though price hikes in staple foods were also attributed to the ongoing Ramadan fasting which limits foodstuff coming from the North to the South.
At Ojota Motor Garage in Lagos, it was learnt that transportation has increased by almost 25 per cent. For instance, from Lagos to Abuja by Sienna car now costs N15,000 per head.
An anonymous driver who spoke with our correspondent yesterday said, “We just brought it down from N17,000 which we charged yesterday and early morning ride on 6 April 2023 because we don’t have lots of passengers by this time.”
The journey from Ojota to Benin now costs N8,700, rising from about N7,000; Ojota to Ekpoma or Auchi is now N12, 500, rising from 11,000, while Ondo/Akure transport fare rose from N3,000 to 3,700.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP WEEKEND, a man who identified himself as Mr Joe Nwafor said, “I and my family will celebrate this year’s holiday in Lagos because of insecurity that is resurfacing after elections along highways and because of hike in transport fare.
“We just came back from Christmas holiday; so, there is no need to rush back home for Easter. Besides, insecurity along highways which came down during the 2023 elections is gradually returning. I will not risk it.”
On his part, another passenger who identified herself as Mrs Iyabode had wanted to travel to Akure for the celebrations but said, “The cost of transportation is beyond my imagination. We are five; if each one is to pay N3,700, it means we will pay N18, 500. I will rather stay and spend that money at home here in Lagos.”
Meanwhile, the Iya Oloja of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) market in Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Afusat Shehu said buyers were coming for purchase, though they complained about the price hike. “For instance, vegetables have climbed up from the Mile 12 market. Before now, a basket of tomatoes and red pepper was not more than N7,000, but now a basket is hovering between N17,000 and N22,000. As for rice and beans, the price remains stable. A derica of rice was worth N5,000 before now and still is. Palm and groundnut prices also dropped. Before this festive season, a bottle of palm oil and groundnut was sold for N1,200, but now it is N1,000. A derica of beans was sold for N500 but it is now N400 at the Market.
“Usually, during the fasting period, the market climbs because a large percentage of farm produce comes from the North and most of the farmers do observe the fasting. So, they turn down opportunities to bring the product down to the South, and that has affected market prices,” she claimed. At Ibadan motor park, Obalende, Lagos, it was observed that only few people were traveling as of Thursday, but the number increased yesterday.
Speaking with one of the park drivers to confirm the claims, an anonymous driver said, “Just one or two people at a time are entering the park. We won’t know until later in the day how many people will still travel. Currently, the cost of transportation from Lagos to Ibadan is N2,050, up from N1,550 previously.” The driver claimed that the increase in cost is a result of the heavy traffic on the road.
Similarly, at interstate garages in Sango-Ota, Ifo area of Ogun State, the prizes were similar to the Lagos prizes, a development that has made most Nigerians to celebrate their Easter where they are instead of traveling out of their states.
As of yesterday, movement from Lagos to neighbouring states attracted 20 to 30 per cent transport fare hike as some Lagosians travelled to neighbouring states, such as Ogun, Oyo and Osun States to celebrate Easter with their families and loved ones. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Easter festive period is a season that reminds us that the Almighty God can turn an unpleasant situation around for good.
In his Easter message to Nigerians, the president joined Christians in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate Easter which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signposting his victory over death. He said at the heart of Easter is the triumph of light over darkness.
Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, the president urged all Nigerians to continue to be confident and believe strongly in the country for better seasons ahead. He said, “As a nation, we have gone through an election that has produced the next set of leaders at the federal and state levels,” he said as he commended Nigerians for believing in the electoral process.
“While I congratulate those that have been elected, I acknowledge that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress. I expect them to wait patiently and allow our legal system run its course.”
The president also said it had been a rare privilege for him to serve as president since Nigerians gave him the first mandate in 2015 and renewed it in 2019. “Day after day, I have been guided by the vows I took to keep Nigeria united, prosperous and secure. Our successes on security, economy, infrastructure, new oil frontier basins, landmark legal reforms as well as food sufficiency, among others, were possible because of the support of Nigerians. “As we celebrate this season with our families, neighbors and communities, let us do so in love, compassion, kindness, resilience and forgiveness.”
Lawan, Govs, SGF, Others Preach Hope
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, some state governors and other prominent Nigerians has restated hope for a better Nigeria, just as they called on Nigerian Christians to pray for peace and the prosperity of the country.
In a statement to felicitate with the Christian as they join their brethren across the world in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Lawan said Nigeria needs prayers. Lawan urged the faithful to reflect on the significance of the season and also pray for the prosperity of the country.
The Senate president said just as they celebrate Easter for Jesus’ victory over death on the cross and his resurrection that rekindles the hope of eternal life, Christians should also pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
Lawan said the occasion should bolster the hope of Christians in the nation to triumph over her current challenges of nation building and the imminence of better days. He also urged all Nigerians, and particularly religious leaders and clerics, to pray for a peaceful political transition in Nigeria.
Lawan also called for prayers for God’s blessings and guidance for the incoming governments at the national and state levels, including for the soon to be inaugurated 10th National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. On his part, Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, felicitated with Christians in the state and the country on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.
In a press release by his media aide, Isma’il Uba Misilli, the governor urged Christians to use the occasion to pray for the newly elected leaders from the just concluded elections and for the peace, progress and healing of the nation going forward.
According to him, the Easter period provides an opportunity for strengthening of unity of purpose, reinforcement of the bond of brotherhood and dedication in service to God and humanity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice, service to God and country as well as triumph of good over evil. We should always reflect on the lessons and significance of the season and demonstrate the same in our lives.
“On this occasion of Easter feast, I want to enjoin our Christian brothers and sisters in Gombe State and the world over to continue to demonstrate love, promote peace and show good neighbourliness. I also want to urge you to remain steadfast in prayers and continue to sacrifice for the good and advancement of our dear state,” he said.
Also, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly Christian faithful and residents of the state as they celebrate this year’s Easter-the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The governor urged Lagos residents, particularly Christians to emulate the virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion as depicted by Jesus Christ, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Easter Message issued on Friday by his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, urged Christians to continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The governor also implored Nigerians, particularly Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as the country begins the transition from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind. The message of Easter is that of sacrifice, tolerance, harmony, perseverance, and undying love.
“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationalities. Let us remember to be Christ-like in our love for fellow citizens and our country. As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
“We should also use the period to pray for peace in Lagos State and Nigeria as the country prepares for the May 29 hanging-over ceremony. Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours, and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.
“We should mirror the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessing of Easter and the power of the resurrection rekindle our faith in God and humanity. I wish you all a happy celebration.”
For his part, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) and chairman, Presidential Transition Council (PTC), Boss Mustapha, on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, greeted Christian faithful in the country as they mark Good Friday and Easter.
According to a statement by the director of Information in the SGF’s office , Willy Bassey, the SGF urged Christians to use the period to imitate Jesus Christ who submitted himself to the will of God by offering himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind to God. He noted that the two great events in the Christian calendar – Good Friday and Easter, symbolise the triumph of good over evil. He prayed that the season awakens in Christians the spirit of dedication to public good and selfless service to the nation.
Mustapha stressed the need for Christians to use the opportunity offered by the events to reconcile with God by imbibing the lessons which include love, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, humility as well as love for country.
He prayed that the supreme sacrifice should instill in Christians commitment to nation-building and the resurrection of Christ on Easter, a rejuvenation of faith and triumph over challenges in nation-building, peaceful co-existence and successful transition programme.
According to him, the period should herald a rebirth and healing of the country, emphasising the need to use the period to pray for the success of the incoming administration. Also, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, called on Christians to pray for the success of military operations and smooth democratic transition.
General Irabor stated these in a message to felicitate with members of the Armed forces of Nigeria on the occasion of Easter. The CDS in a statement signed by the acting director, Defence Media Operations, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, called on Christians to reflect on the love of Jesus Christ for which the season is celebrated and continue to manifest love for the country in all dispositions.
He urged all to continue to pray to the Lord for more success in military operations and smooth democratic transition in the nation. General Irabor thanked members of the armed forces for making the nation proud in various operations at home and abroad. He appreciated the role played by the armed forces in the just concluded general elections which he said had continued to attract commendations from around the world.
The CDS restated the loyalty and commitment of the armed forces to the president. “We pledge to continue to respect and protect the constitution and democratic governance in the country,” he said, as he wished members of the armed forces and their families a Happy Easter filled with love and joy.
