The rising cost of living in Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s largest cities, has become a growing concern for residents, with many struggling to cope with the skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services. From pensioners to business owners, the economic strain has forced individuals to adopt alternative means of survival, as their incomes can no longer sustain their basic needs.
In an interview with Ibadancityannouncer News, a pensioner, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, is one of the many residents feeling the brunt of the economic hardship. She revealed that her monthly pension, which was once sufficient to cover her basic needs, can no longer sustain her due to the rising cost of living. “Everything is expensive now—food, transportation, and other things. My pension is not enough to take care of my needs, she lamented.
To make ends meet, Mrs. Ajayi has resorted to selling small goods in her neighborhood. The government needs to do something about this situation because many of us are suffering,” she added.
Mr. Jude Okonkwo, a cybercafe owner at Agodi Gate, Ibadan, also shared his concerns about the economic challenges. According to him, the rising cost of living has significantly impacted his business, as fewer people can afford to pay for internet services. “The cost of running my business has doubled. From electricity to maintenance, everything is expensive. At the same time, my customers are complaining about their own financial struggles, so patronage has dropped,” he explained.
Mr. Okonkwo called on the government to take urgent action to address the situation. “The government needs to find a way to stabilize the economy. The rising cost of living in Ibadan cannot be overemphasized, he noted.
The economic hardship has also taken a toll on students and low-income earners. Miss Adeola Ogunleye, a university student, revealed that she now combines her studies with a part-time job to afford her daily expenses. “Transportation fare has increased, and the price of food in the market is unbearable. I had to start working to support myself because my parents can no longer send me enough money,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Tunde Olawale, a civil servant, expressed frustration over the disparity between his salary and the cost of living. “My salary has remained the same for years, but the prices of goods and services keep increasing. It’s becoming harder to provide for my family,” he stated.
The rising cost of living in Ibadan has left many residents in a state of despair, with pensioners like Mrs. Victoria Ajayi and business owners like Mr. Jude Okonkwo bearing the brunt of the economic hardship. As the government grapples with finding solutions, the people of Ibadan continue to call for urgent action to address the situation before it spirals out of control. For now, many, like Mrs. Ajayi, are left with no choice but to
