By Salim Yunusa
Abaya, a loose-fitting, full-length robe that is symbolic of Islamic piety has been the most trending issue among northern Muslim women across several social media platforms.
The women were seen publicly calling on their boyfriends and heart-throbs to either buy Abayas for them or risk losing their relationships.
The trending issue has “skyrocketed the demand” of the piece of clothing in markets across the northern states.
SAHELIAN TIMES, in an interview with some major marketers of fabrics, gathered how the paradigm has shifted from traditional attires to Abayas.
Ayeesha Chuchu, an influential online vendor in an interview with our reporter, confirmed that the trend has made a spike in sales of Abaya.
“There is a massive increase in sales. I have sold more than 40 Abaya from last week till date”, she said.
Answering a question on whether she thinks Abayas are expensive, she said, “I don’t think abayas are expensive, because there are fabrics that are more expensive than abaya.
She also said that, “Majority of women prefer Abaya more than traditional attires.”
When asked whether it is the men that mostly buy it for their partners or the ladies that buy the Abaya for themselves, she said, “Most of the payment I receive is from women. It is only a few that men order and pay.
However, young men also complained on how their girlfriends are pressurising them to get the fabrics for them.
Auwal, a 27 year-old employed graduate, said that the last time his girlfriend talked to him was three days ago, after he has confided that he cannot afford the piece of clothing for her.
“She called me and narrated how her friends’ boyfriends have all purchased Abaya for them, and she concluded that, If I cannot buy for her, then I don’t love her.”
“She has not been responding to my call since then”, Auwal lamented.
Shamsudeen Abubakar, an indigene of Kaduna State, said that, he has since bought three sets for his to be wife, “to avoid unforeseen trouble.”
