By Rasaki Ojo Bakare
The Muslim festival referred to as Ileya by the Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria is popularly called Tobaski in the West African Country, Gambia. As we approach this year’s Ileya festival, several media reports indicate that prices of commodities have increased by 50 percent in the last 24 hours in the Southwest states of Nigeria.
This reminds me of the festival culture in Gambia, a clear difference between religiosity and spirituality. I once lived and worked in Gambia, and I am still in touch with friends and colleagues in that small country peopled mostly by followers of the Islamic faith. Once Tobaski or even Christmas approaches, prices of all commodities, including shoes and clothing materials, home appliances, and so on, are deliberately brought down by the sellers. Food and clothing materials get as high as 60 percent reduction.
This is an intentional act of charity that comes with the belief that Almighty God will reward the sellers and replenish their pockets. The objective is to assist every citizen to enjoy the festival; having good food to eat and good clothes and shoes to wear. Conversely, the practice in Nigeria is to double and triple prices. Unleash more suffering on the already fainting populace and go to mosque and church to thank God for blessing them through wicked acts of extortion.
My joy is that I know God cannot be deceived. The number of churches and mosques in Nigeria correspondingly opposes the number of Nigerians that will make heaven. Continue to profit from dishonesty. God is not mocked!
Rasaki Ojo Bakare, a public commentator, writes from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
