Zamfara residents express concerns about the exorbitant cost of living as Christmas approaches.

Christian residents in Zamfara State are expressing concern that the upcoming 2023 Christmas will be marked by somber faces due to the soaring prices of essential items for the celebration, particularly foodstuffs. They attribute the continuous surge in prices to the scarcity of the Naira.

During an interview with DAILY POST in Gusau, the state capital, Madam Blessing conveyed her distress, revealing that her family traditionally travels to their village for Christmas each year. However, this year, economic hardships have compelled them to abandon such plans as they struggle to afford basic necessities.

Madam Blessing lamented, “This is an annual celebration where Christians worldwide are expected to experience comfort and joy, but instead, we find ourselves scrambling for money just to buy food for the family.”

Another resident, Godwin Enoch, described the situation as dire, emphasizing that, as of December 10th, he hadn’t been able to purchase a single piece of clothing for his children due to severe economic challenges.

A visit to Gusau Central Market underscored the impact of the economic downturn, with traders bemoaning low patronage from buyers. Uchendu Nwosu expressed pessimism about an imminent change in the situation, attributing the economic challenges to the mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources by certain groups.

Uchendu drew attention to the twin challenges of poverty and leprosy, noting that while leprosy affects the body, poverty affects the mind. He criticized the growing wealth gap in Nigeria, stating, “What we are witnessing in Nigeria today is that the rich get richer while the poor get poorer.” Despite these challenges, he urged fellow Christians to trust in Jesus as a great provider who will ensure the well-being of his children during the Christmas celebration.