Regardless of the biting {economic} hardship, Christmas has rented the air, with residents in lots of components of Nigeria thronging markets and recreation centres for celebration.
Each December 25, the world celebrates Christmas Day, marking the start of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria, residents not solely declared however proved that the struggling economic system couldn’t cease them from celebrating, resulting in a bustling festive environment.
Parks, markets, joints, and occasion centres are booming with actions because the celebration unfolds.
In Kaduna, residents scrambled for clothes and meals gadgets within the remaining hours earlier than Christmas Day. On the Kaduna-Abuja mini motor park, Command Junction, passengers booked journeys to Abuja to spend the vacation with family members. In the meantime, customers at Sabon Tasha market expressed combined emotions, many lamenting excessive costs.
Ema Vitalis, a client, mentioned, “This 12 months’s Christmas celebration is just not simple. I spent practically N50,000, however I’ve bought little or no. The hardship is an excessive amount of, however we should have fun.”
In Bauchi, the Muda-Lawal market was filled with patrons sourcing meat and greens. Tray pushers transported items via the crowded market. On the rooster road, sellers processed chickens amid a cacophony of crowing birds.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, residents stuffed the stay rooster market at Obbo Highway to buy meals gadgets, undeterred by a 100 per cent value hike on livestock, together with chickens, turkeys, goats, and staples like rice and semolina.
Kebbi State painted a distinct image resulting from its smaller Christian inhabitants. Procuring actions in Birnin Kebbi’s central market had been subdued, with some residents lamenting the steep price of products. Esther Monday of Dukku Military Barracks expressed frustration over the costs, whereas Dauda Vanum highlighted the skyrocketing price of goats, now N70,000 in comparison with N25,000 beforehand.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, vital markets akin to Creek Highway, Mile One, and Mile Three skilled heavy visitors as residents rushed to purchase meals and clothes.
Eric Achi’s sentiment at Ubani Worldwide Fashionable Market in Umuahia captured the temper: “Christmas comes every year; it’s inevitable.”
Ekiti State residents flocked to King’s Market, Bisi Market, and Okesa Market in Ado-Ekiti. Patrons and sellers alike had been in excessive spirits, buying and selling and shopping for gadgets they deemed mandatory for the celebrations.
In Akwa Ibom, a beforehand subdued festive spirit gave technique to a bustling environment. Parks, pubs, and markets stuffed out with exercise as holidaymakers arrived, creating visitors congestion in areas like AKTC, Itam, and Nnung Udoe.
Enugu’s markets struggled to accommodate the crowds. Regardless of {economic} challenges, residents made last-minute purchases forward of Christmas, with many markets scheduled to shut on December 25.
In Delta State, merchants made brisk enterprise on the Ogboigonogo and Midwifery markets in Asaba and Okpanam, and heavy visitors was reported all through the area.
Imo State, nevertheless, revealed a extra sombre scene, as many voters prioritised primary wants over festivities. The non-payment of salaries and pensions exacerbated their struggles, casting a pall over the season.
Harvest Season Crashes Tomato Costs
The festive season introduced aid for some as contemporary tomato costs plummeted as a result of harvest season. On the Dei Dei Tomato Market in Abuja, the worth of a basket of premium ‘tomato Jos’ dropped from N130,000 to beneath N50,000—a 160 per cent reduce. This decline adopted months of excessive costs brought on by seasonal shortages and pest outbreaks just like the Tomato Ebola.
Scotch bonnet peppers additionally noticed vital value reductions.
Aminu Ibrahim, a dealer, attributed the drop to the inflow of freshly harvested crops. Whereas shoppers celebrated the affordability of tomatoes and peppers, merchants expressed concern over potential future value hikes as demand surged through the holidays.
Tinubu, Akpabio, Abbas Urge Love, Unity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Home of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have urged Nigerians to embrace unity at Christmas.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the nation as being in “a promising path of restoration and progress.”
In his 2024 Christmas message, Tinubu described the season as a time of reflection, hope, and unity.
He emphasised the importance of Christmas as an emblem of conquer adversity, noting that “Gentle can emerge even within the darkest instances, bringing solace and hope. This perception resonates with individuals of all faiths.”
He expressed confidence within the nation’s ongoing restoration and progress.
“Allow us to prolong comparable assist and prayers to our nation’s leaders. Along with your backing, we will serve our nation diligently and try for prosperity.
“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with each indication pointing towards a shiny future. Within the spirit of this season, allow us to renew our hope and perception in a affluent Nigeria.”
The President acknowledged Nigeria’s challenges, significantly the current tragedies in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja.
Additionally, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has referred to as on Nigerians to make use of Christmas to advertise peace, love, and unity.
In a Christmas message signed by his particular adviser on media and publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio acknowledged that the festive season is a time for celebration and reflection.
“Within the spirit of the season, I encourage you to unfold love, kindness, and generosity. Allow us to keep in mind these in want and provide a serving to hand as a lot as potential,” he mentioned.
Equally, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated Christians as they have fun Christmas.
Whereas wishing Christians a merry Christmas, Abbas mentioned the start of Jesus Christ signifies newness and fulfilment and referred to as for a nationwide rebirth at this vital time in Nigerians’ lives.
In a congratulatory message issued by his particular adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker urged Christians and Nigerians to make use of the event to wish for a brand new Nigeria everybody desires of.
Speaker Abbas referred to as for prayers for the nation and its leaders, particularly for political, non secular, and conventional leaders.
The Speaker additionally referred to as for unity, peace, and love for each other throughout non secular and ethnic divides. He expressed his hope that Nigeria would quickly turn into a rustic that each citizen is pleased with.
Equally, deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu prolonged his heartfelt felicitations to the Christian devoted and all Nigerians as they have fun the joyous event of Christmas.
In his Christmas message by his chief press secretary, Livinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu emphasised the profound significance of Christmas, which commemorates the start of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of humanity.
