NAN-H-
Sale
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Vendors of food, wares and other related goods on Tuesday in Abuja complained of low patronage at the call-to-bar of the August/September batch of young lawyers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had always looked forward to the event to make brisk sales from the large turn out at the occasion.
The call-to-bar is the convergence of thousands of ““new wigs’’, family members, friends and well-wishers from across the various branches of the Nigerian Law Schools.
Malam Idi Yusufu, a Suya dealer, told NAN that patronage was low, adding however, that it might not be unconnected with the present economic situation.
Yusufu said the event had pulled crowd as expected but that the people had responded slowly to buying his specially made barbecue.
“”I am surprised this is happening to me in view of the fact that you do not have to have plenty of money to buy suya.
“”On a good day I should have sold close to 90 per cent of my meat. Things have really changed,’’ he said.
Mrs Alice Okon, a food vendor said people preferred to buy snacks and drinks, adding that many families had brought their food from home.
“”There is a slight change from what we knew of this event. We paid money to be allocated this space, I therefore wonder if I shall smile home today,’’ she said.
Chinedu Chukwu, who deals in drinks, however, gave a different account, as according to him, the hot weather has pushed people to patronise his products.
Chukwu said business was good, adding that: ““I brought N12, 000 worth of drinks and I have sold close to N8,000 worth. It could have been better.’’
On his part, Sinachi Odogwu, who deals in traditional fabrics, also decried the slow patronage this time.
“”I have had many people who have come to lift my wares rather than buy them.
“”Nobody can tell you of making speedy sale including those that even sell food. We are all struggling today, understandably so because salaries have not been paid,’’ he said.
NAN further reports that the new lawyers and their visitors took advantage of the festive colouration of the event to exchange food, gifts and pleasantries. (NAN)
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz