As Christmas approaches, the people of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, are grappling with the burden of inflated prices and economic hardship. Both residents and commercial transporters have expressed their distress at the exorbitant cost of living and conducting business.
Sunkanmi Adeleye, a Point of Sale (PoS) agent, voiced his concerns about the sluggish business activity compared to previous years. He attributed this downturn to the challenging economic conditions, lamenting the adverse impact of policies set by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Adeleye emphasized the necessity of persevering through these difficulties to sustain livelihoods.
Oluwakemi Oludare, a resident, highlighted the strain of managing expenses during this festive season. She emphasized the financial responsibilities that await in the new year, prompting her to adopt a cautious approach to Christmas spending. With looming concerns such as school fees, rent, and provisions for January, Oludare resolved to prioritize prudent financial management over extravagant celebrations and travel.
Kamiludeen Muftaudeen, a transporter operating the Osogbo to Ibadan route, echoed the sentiments of financial strain. Despite increased travel demand during the holiday period, Muftaudeen disclosed that the amplified earnings are overshadowed by the substantial expenses incurred for vehicle maintenance and payments to security personnel along the route. He appealed to the government to intervene and prevent exploitation by authorities responsible for overseeing road operations.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) added their plea to the governor, seeking the restoration of their control over motor parks. They cited the challenges faced since the state government assigned park management to external entities in November 2022, appealing for reconciliation and expressing the collective hardship endured by their members and their families.
These accounts shed light on the pervasive struggles faced by Osun residents and transporters in navigating the financial uncertainties and elevated costs during the festive season. As the community grapples with these challenges, the plea for intervention and relief resonates, calling for attention to alleviate the burdens carried by individuals and businesses.
