Scores of women, including widows, took to the streets of Kano in protest against the rising price of flour in the state. The demonstrators, who are local bread sellers known for their ‘gurasa,’ marched through the streets carrying placards on Friday, expressing their concern that the increased cost of flour has severely impacted their livelihoods.
Despite the harsh harmattan weather, the women urged the state government to intervene and address the challenges they are facing. Fatima Auwal, the leader of the group, explained that many of the women were unable to afford the rising cost of flour, which is the primary raw material for producing ‘gurasa.’ She highlighted the difficult economic situation in Nigeria and noted that numerous members were already indebted to flour suppliers due to their financial constraints.
Auwal emphasized the dire situation faced by the women, stating, “We can no longer afford to pay the school fees of our children anymore, just as feeding is now a huge burden on us, which cannot be postponed.”
In an appeal to President Bola Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders, especially flour producers and marketers, Auwal urged them to consider the plight of the women, particularly the widows, and intervene by reducing the price of flour. She expressed hope for the survival of the flour industry and called for support to make the product more affordable for local bread producers.
The protest highlights the economic challenges faced by these women and their plea for assistance to ensure their sustainable livelihoods in the face of rising costs.
