Hunger: Emir of Damaturu appeals to traders in Yobe to reduce food prices

Hunger: Emir of Damaturu appeals to traders in Yobe to reduce food prices

Story from Uji A. ILIYASU

Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin Elkenemi, has called upon traders in the state to support the common people by reducing the prices of essential goods.

The emir expressed concern that the prices of essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of common man.

Worried that the people are suffering from hunger in the land, the traditional ruler told newsmen on Sunday in his palace in Damaturu, that there is “urgent need to call on business tycoons to lower the prices of food items to be affordable to the poor.”

He enjoined traders in the state to do everything possible to cut down the prices of foodstuffs in the interest of the people and also to assist the less privileged.

“I want to inform you that, we are worried about the rising prices of commodities in the state.

I implore the traders to make essential goods more affordable for the general public, especially the less privileged,” the emir said.

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He emphasised that excessive profits, particularly on essential food items go against moral principles while charging government officials to continue assisting the less privileged persons.

He acknowledged the economic hardship faced by the less fortunate, particularly their struggle to afford basic food items in Yobe and Nigeria at large.

The traditional ruler further advised the traders to sell at affordable rates and to explore various means to make their prices accessible to ordinary citizens, even as also urged various organisations in the society to redouble their efforts in assisting persons with disabilities and the less privileged to survive this period.