Ram traders in Lagos state have lamented the preference for cows over rams by Muslims for the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The traders stated this in separate interviews Thursday in Lagos.
The traders said most people prefer to buy cows rather than rams because of the size and the fact that five families could buy and share for the celebration.
A ram trader, Ibrahim Hassan, at the Lawanson area of the state, said patronage has been decent, but with an interesting twist.
“The patronage this year is not bad, but I have noticed that people are buying more cows than rams. I believe the reason behind this shift is that cows are more economical and offer better value for money.
“When families or even groups of friends come together, they can share a cow and still fulfill the sacrifice. That way, instead of each person buying a ram for over N500, 000, they split the cost.
“The cheapest cow you can get right now is around N800, 000, while the cheapest ram starts at about N550,000. Prices also vary depending on the size and weight of the animal.
“I have contacted my sources for more cows, but the market price has gone up since last week. It is a volatile market, and prices can change quickly,” Mr Hassan said.
Also, Shakiru Gbadamosi, another ram seller at Lawanson, said he noticed that people are weighing their options this Sallah, and have been buying more of cows.
“I was surprised to see some buyers turning to cows, and this trend has been on for weeks. Although many still prefer rams for Sallah because it’s about tradition and religious significance.
“The ram is the symbolic animal for the sacrifice, and that’s not something easily replaced.
“Prices have gone up this year, a decent ram now costs between N550,000 and N700,000, depending on the size and breed. But despite that, the demand remains steady.
“Some people have been buying younger rams because they are less expensive but still acceptable.
“The younger rams are sold for between N130, 000 and N250,000,” Mr Gbadamosi said. (NAN)