By Adedeji Egbebi,EKITI
Some residents in Ekiti, on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to stop the hoarding of food stuffs by some traders.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikole Ekiti, the residents bemoaned the incessant increase in prices of food, drugs and, essential commodities, describing the situation as unbearable.
Mr Busayo Ojo, a carpenter, said the incessant increase in prices of food, drugs and essential commodities was currently making cost of living difficult for him.
Ojo said that a half bag of rice, which was sold for N22,000, now cost N32,000, and had forced him to resort to buying just three bowls.
He explained that the cost of eye drops and drugs has also increased and had become unaffordable
“I was in a pharmacy shop to buy eye drops prescribed by the doctor, to my surprise, the price had suddenly risen from N9,000 to N16,000.
” I had to borrow money from my friend to buy the eye drop.
“I am appealing to the federal government and state governors to intervene and help Nigerians regulate prices of food, drugs and curb hoarding” he said.
Also, Mrs Tolulope Oni, a tailor, said the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians had become unbearable.
Oni said that prices of sewing materials had been hiked by suppliers, claiming that the cost of transportation caused the sudden increase.
She said that prices of food stuffs had become too expensive for low and middle income earners in Nigeria to afford.
Oni urged the federal government to address the sudden rise in prices of food, which accordingb to him, has led to hunger, depression and insecurity.
Another indigene and resident of the community, Mr Biodun Ibitoye, said that the economic challenges facing the country was being inflicted by Nigerians and not government alone.
Ibitoye explained that many marketers and sellers deliberately hoard food stuffs in order to profit and make excessive gains.
“It is quite unfortunate that Nigerians are currently experiencing hardship without any lasting solution insight to the rising cost of food, drugs, essential commodities and raw materials.
” Some rich Nigerians are using the current economic challenges to make millions while majority are suffering.
” I want to appealed to President Bola Tinubu to make adequate provisions for food and enable Nigerians have access to it.
“Depression and hunger are currently ravaging the country and it is only God who can deliver us,” he said.
Similarly, a retired teacher, Mr Sola Owolabi, said the current economy hardship needs urgent government intervention before it caused huge problem.
” I am currently feeling pity for the low income earners and unemployed graduates because they are the ones who are feeling the impact of the current economic challenges more.
” I am appealing to the federal government to rescue Nigerians and curb hoarding of food, drugs and essential commodities to avoid untold hardship,” he said. (NAN)