Eid-el-Kabir: Ram sellers urge early salary payments as low sales hit Kwara

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin

As Muslim faithful prepare to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, ram dealers have called on governments at various levels to hasten salary payments for the month of May to improve patronage.

Speaking with a ram seller at the Mandate Market in Ilorin on Saturday, Olarewaju Taofeeq disclosed that the prices of rams are on the high side due to transport hikes and the cost of feed.

He said the ram prices range from N1,000,000 to N500,000 and N150,000.

According to him, patronage could not be compared to the previous year, as most customers complain about the surge in prices.

“The turnout is fair, though not like last year. Ram prices are high due to transport hikes and feed costs. The prices range from N1,000,000 to N500,000 and N150,000. By this time last year, we would have recorded a sellout. We feel there are low sales this year because salaries are yet to be paid. We believe once salaries are paid, sales will increase,” he said.

He further appealed to governments at various levels to hasten salary payments for the month, while calling on well-meaning Nigerians and political leaders who buy in large quantities to patronise them.

Also, another dealer, Usman Ayinde, said the low sales could be linked to the state of the economy ahead of the festival. According to him, many Nigerians are grappling with harsh economic realities and may have to settle for cheaper options.

However, he expressed optimism that sales would improve before the celebration day if salaries are paid.