Barely two months to
the New Year, rice dealers in Asaba, Delta State, are presently recording high patronage from various consumers.
A survey conducted by our source in Asaba indicted that beside patronage from the neighbouring states, civil servants from various cooperative societies in the state are requesting for rice supply.
Some of the dealers at the Ogbe-Ogonogo and Abraka markets in Asaba said that the cooperatives were making bulk purchases to be shared by members before Christmas period.
Mrs Gloria Obukokwo, a rice dealer at the Ogbe-Ogonogo Modern Market, said she had sold a large quantity of rice in the last one week.
“In the last one week, my sales have improved, as you can see, civil servants, especially those in cooperatives, are already coming to make purchases”.
Another dealer, Mr Ignatus Okolie, said that he had been recording more sales in recent weeks.
He said: “Before now, we found it very difficult to sell up to 10 bags of rice a day, but in the last one week, we have been selling between 30 and 50 bags daily,’’ he said.
Mrs Jane Ehimba, whose shop is in Abraka Market, expressed satisfaction with the increase recorded in her daily sales in recent times.
She said she was optimistic that the patronage would continue till Christmas and New Year.
Mrs Grace Ebenuwa, a civil servant, said that it was cheaper and convenient for workers to buy the commodity through cooperative societies.
“From January every year, we contribute money monthly for this purpose and by October end, we make our purchases in order to avoid last minute rush,’’ she said.
Consumers, nonetheless, noted that in spite of the impressive patronage, the price of rice had remained stable in the market.
The survey indicated that brands of rice such as Mama Gold and Caprice, were sold for N10, 500 per bag while Mama Africa, Tomatoes and Premium, sold for between N9,000 and N10,000.

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere and wife Evang Nkechi and Evang Larry Koosweat jointly cutting the birthday cake to celebrate the 41st birthday of Apostle Chibuzor in Port Harcourt. Photo: Ibioye Diama