When we enter luxurious malls, boutiques, and supermarkets, we often accept prices without question. We pay exactly what the price tags display and sometimes even generously tip the staff.
However, this attitude sharply changes the moment we step outside to buy something as simple as bananas. Our haggling skills intensify.
Imagine a poor widow, burdened with the responsibility of feeding her 12 hungry children, offering bananas for N100. She shares her struggles – the difficulty in sourcing them, the relentless pressure of a tough economy. Yet, we relentlessly bargain, refusing to pay more than N50.
Some of us might even dramatically return to our cars, threatening to drive away. Forced by desperation, “half bread is better than none,” she calls us back, agreeing to sell at a meager profit, or none at all.
In her heart, there are silent tears and worry about her family’s survival. She reassures herself with a faint hope, “It’s well. God will provide.”
Meanwhile, we relish the sweet taste of the banana, often oblivious to her plight.
This scenario deeply moves me. Witnessing people, especially women and children, who must sell small items out of sheer necessity to survive each day, is heart-wrenching.
I urge you: Do not aggressively bargain with small vendors. Their motive isn’t luxury or frivolity – no designer bags, trendy phones, Gucci shoes, or fashionable attire. Their simple goal is to live, to eat, to ensure their children have something small for school the next day (if anything is left at all).
Remember, “He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord.” Let this be a guiding principle in our interactions with those who are struggling.
Duruebube Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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