Anambra residents have frowned at the additional day approved by the Federal Government for the Muslim faithful to celebrate the 2024 Eid-El-Fitr, saying this will have negative effects on the economy.
Newspot reports that the Federal government had earlier declared April 9 and 10 for the Muslim-Ummah for the successful completion of a month’s spiritual rejuvenation.
Shortly after, April 11 was added to the holiday when the crescent Moon was not spotted.
Residents of Anambra capital city, Awka, believe that the additional day which they did not plan for will result in economic hardship to the citizenry.
Most of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, believe that people had planned to resume their economic activities instead of wasting their time staying at home doing nothing.
Former Chairman, Awka Chamber of Commerce, Chief Felly Akosa, described the additional day to the two days approved earlier as “unfair to the economy of the country as people were unprepared for the additional day.”
Akosa said that although it is right for the Muslim faithful to celebrate their holiday after a month-long fasting, the process needs to be carefully planned in place of the additional rest day which could inhibit business activities.
Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, National Vice President of Igbo apex social-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the policy would cause huge economic waste as businesses are put on hold.
