Enoch Stphen
Residents of Kano have expressed divergent views over this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, as economic hardship and the lingering Emirship tussle cast a shadow over what is traditionally a season of joy and cultural pride.
Across the state, the usual vibrancy associated with Sallah festivities appeared subdued. Many residents cited the rising cost of living, particularly food prices and transportation, as a major factor limiting their ability to celebrate as they would have wished.
Abdulsallam Mohammed, a resident of Dakata in Nassarawa Local Government Area, described the Sallah celebration as a moment of relief and gratitude despite the economic difficulties many families continue to face.
According to him, people were doing their best to celebrate within their means, even if things were not as easy as they used to be.
“Sallah is a time of joy, no matter the situation.
“Even though the economy is not in the best condition, people are still coming out to celebrate based on what they can afford.
“Not everyone can do big celebrations, but at least there is happiness in the air,” he said.
He noted that compared with the previous year, there had been a slight improvement, though it is not enough to ease the burden on ordinary people.
“If you compare this year to last year, I can say things are a bit better. It is not perfect, but at least there is some improvement. People are managing better than before,” he explained.
However, Abdulsallam stressed that much more needed to be done by the government to improve the economic situation and lift people out of hardship.
“The government really needs to make life easier for the people.
“There are too many people struggling to survive. Government policies should focus on taking people out of poverty and helping them build their capacity to earn a living,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of empowerment and long-term solutions.
“What we need is economic capacity building. Give people opportunities, support small businesses, and create jobs. When people can earn, they will cater to themselves and live better lives,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Abdulsallam highlighted the spirit of unity that Sallah brings.
“At the end of the day, Sallah is about love and togetherness. People are sharing what they have, visiting one another, and showing kindness.
“That spirit of oneness is still very strong, and that is something we should hold on to,” he said.
Abba Nasidi was seen sharing jokes with his friends along the dual carriage way in Kura LGA, leading to Kaduna state.
He also reflected on the changing nature of Sallah celebrations, noting that while there were still economic challenges, the situation appeared slightly more stable compared to last year.
“This year is not exactly like last year,
“There are still issues, but you can see that inflation is not as high as it was before. Even though things are still expensive, the situation has calmed down a bit,” he said.
He, however, pointed out that many people are still struggling with low purchasing power, which limited how much they could spend during the festive period.
“Prices may not be rising as fast as before, but the reality is that people don’t have enough money to buy what they need.
“Purchasing power is still low, and that affects how people celebrate,” he explained.
Despite these concerns, Abba remained optimistic about the future.
“I believe better days are ahead. We just need patience and the right policies, and things will improve gradually,” he said.
He also mentioned that work responsibilities would quickly resume after the celebrations, leaving little room for extended festivities.
“For me, work will resume immediately. By Monday, especially with the rains coming, there will be no time for long holidays. Life must continue,” he added.
Olamide Adegbenro, a resident of Naibawa in Kumbbotso LGA was approached while shopping at a nearby provision shop close to his house.
He expressed mixed feelings about the Sallah celebration, acknowledging both the relief of receiving his salary before the festivities and the broader economic challenges facing many Nigerians.
“I was fortunate to receive my salary before Sallah, so that really helped. “At least I was able to prepare and take care of some needs. ,” he told Stallion Times.
However, he did not shy away from speaking about the difficulties many young people are facing.
“The truth is, the economy is still very bad. There are many young people who don’t have jobs, and that is a big problem.
The government needs to do more to create employment opportunities,” he said.
Olamide shared his personal plans for the celebration, emphasizing gratitude and reflection.
“I plan to go out later, spend time with friends and family, and just appreciate God for seeing us through Ramadan. It has been a long journey, and we are thankful,” he said.
He also called for a shift in societal values, urging people to prioritize humanity in their actions.
“In everything we do, we should put humanity first. If we care for one another and support each other, society will be better,” he added.
For several families, Sallah was marked by simplicity. Some parents admitted they could not provide the usual treats for their children, as economic realities forced them to cut down on spending.
Adding to the subdued atmosphere was the absence of the traditional Sallah Durbar, a major cultural highlight in Kano.
The colourful event, known for its royal processions and displays of horsemanship, did not hold as expected due to restrictions linked to the ongoing Emirship dispute.
Umma Ahmed had a chat with this reporter at an event center on Lodge Road in Nassarawa LGA, on her part, she expressed concern about what she described as a gradual decline in the vibrancy of Sallah celebrations in Kano, attributing it to ongoing political tensions surrounding the emirate system.
“Honestly, Sallah is not as lively as it used to be. Every year, it feels like the celebration is becoming dull, and a big part of that is the political interference in the emirate,” she said
She pointed to the confusion created by the existence of parallel emirate councils in Kano.
“Right now, there is no clear single emir. We have parallel emirates, and people are confused about who the real emir is,” she explained.
According to her, this uncertainty has affected traditional Sallah activities, which are closely tied to the emirate institution.
“The emir plays a very important role in Sallah celebrations, especially with cultural and religious events.
“When there is confusion at that level, it affects the entire atmosphere of the celebration,” she said.
“Sallah without Durbar feels incomplete,” she added.
Umma then called on the government to take decisive action to resolve the issue.
“The government needs to take a clear stand and address this situation once and for all. People need clarity. We need to know who the legitimate emir is,” she stressed.
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of preserving tradition and stability.
“Sallah is not just about food and celebration, it is about culture, identity, and unity. When political issues interfere with that, it takes away from the beauty of the occasion,” she said.
As Sallah celebrations continue, many residents in Kano expressed hope for better economic conditions and a resolution of the Emirship crisis, so that future festivities can fully restore the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city.
