Eid-el-Kabir marked on a low key in Benin


By Bernadette Idalu
The feast of Eid-el-Kabir observed by the Muslim faithful all over the world in commemoration of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son  Ishmael in obedience to a command from God was today, June 28, 2023, marked on a low key in Benin City.

The Eid feast also referred to as Eid-al-Adha (Big Sallah) by Muslims,  got celebrated today in commemoration of God's intervention and miraculous provision of a ram to Ibrahim for use as sacrifice to Allah in place of his son, as a reward for obedience.

Observed after a month of fasting, at the end of the annual Hajj to Mecca, the day despite starting on a high note in Benin City, with messages from the federal and state governments, Islamic clerics and traditional institutions who hammered on the place of prayer, loyalty, faithfulness, and sincerity to God as a guide to relationships with man, movement around town was however restrained due to the torrential rainfall.

Unlike previous years where colorful  dressed youths congregated convivially at almost every nook and corner to Mark the occasion, moving round town, this camaraderie was largely absent this year. Available data indicated that the economic crunch and harsh realities of present times are real with seven hundred and fifty four(#754) naira exchanging for one US Dollar today, on the foreign exchange market which effectively put a financial wedge on the bonds of unity and togetherness.

Speaking with Maryann Jacob on her perception and impression of the celebration, she revealed that coming from a multi religious background like most Nigerians, she always joined at celebrating religious festivities with family and friends. Nonetheless, the feeling was different this year as she had to stay back due to her hindered  spending capacity. 

She said, "Firstly, as a civil servant in Edo State, salaries got paid June 26, 2023. Knowing I have financial responsibilities I reminded myself on operating on a lean budget. As you can see the month is almost ended. This made me cutout frivolities and need to hang out with family and friends at this point in time. I have a long month to go. I am mindful of the harsh realities. Instead of hanging out and blowing off my scarce resources, i had to  place calls through."

Incidentally sharing of goodwill messages amongst friends was on the low and almost non existent this year. Politicians jostling for the governorship seat come 2024 and their social media influencers and bloggers held the forte in the blogosphere and WhatsApp chat groups where they posted goodwill messages with which they tried to etch a positive impression in the hearts of readers.


  


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