Livestock sales remain steady in Osogbo despite high prices
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
Market activities across Osogbo, Osun State, showed mixed patronage patterns as traders and buyers navigated rising food and livestock prices, with some markets recording steady turnout despite cost pressures.
Western Post findings from ram and cow markets indicated that patronage remained strong in several locations, even with high prices.
Visits to ram markets in Stadium, Fakunle and Ifon-Osun confirmed active trading, suggesting that demand for livestock has not dropped sharply in those areas. Small-sized rams sell between N180,000 and N250,000, medium-sized rams go for N300,000 to N500,000, while large and premium breeds command between N400,000 and N1.3 million. Cows are priced between N550,000 and N1.5 million, while goats sell for about N50,000 to N100,000 depending on size.
In the Stadium area, Mr Ismail, a livestock seller, said buyers were still coming out in significant numbers to purchase livestock despite the cost.
At Owode, Ota-Efun, Igbonna and Alekuwodo markets, it was observed that the perception of low patronage varies depending on location. While some markets remained busy, others recorded fewer customers, especially in the foodstuff sections.
In the foodstuff segment, local rice (50kg) sells between N55,000 and N65,000, while foreign rice ranges between N57,000 and N65,000. A basket of tomatoes fluctuates between N80,000 and N200,000, while smaller bundles of pepper and onions sell for N7,000 to N11,000. Beans are priced between N70,000 and N95,000 depending on the type.
At Alekuwodo market, pepper seller Mrs Toyin Adelekan called on governments at all levels to intervene, lamenting that prices have become unbearable for many citizens. Also at Alekuwodo, foodstuff seller Mrs Bola Raji said that despite civil servants receiving salaries on time, many still complain that their earnings are insufficient to meet basic needs.
Meanwhile, there was traffic congestion on major roads in Osogbo.
