Recreation centres and relaxation spots in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory witnessed low turnout of fun seekers during this year’s Eid el-Kabir celebration.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) around Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, showed that the various recreation facilities witnessed low patronage compared to the situation in 2015.
Some of the fun seekers, who spoke with NAN, attributed the situation to the current economic hardship in the country.
A fun seeker at ATLAS relaxation spot in Gwagwalada, Ibrahim Gado said: “It is obvious that this year’s Sallah celebration cannot be joyfully celebrated for me because there is absolutely nothing to celebrate with.
“I was not paid at my place of work; I am appealing to the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to this economic hardship as soon as possible because it is tearing Nigerians apart gradually.”
Mr Saleh Abu, a fun seeker at Kwali Area Council, said he was not happy with the present situation in the country, urging the government to address the situation.
“Majority of the people have decided to remain in their houses because of the economic hardship the country is facing.
“The government I guess is trying its best to ensure a better living condition for the citizens, but we Nigerians also need to pray more for the country,’’ he said.
Similarly, aresident of Kuje, Mrs Laraba Hassan, told NAN that she could not slaughter any ram due to the present economic hardship.
“It is quite frustrating that you can’t eat what you want in a festive period like this; I could not even afford to buy a ram to celebrate with my children.
“Sallah period should be a time to have fun, but it is looking miserable with the present economic situation,’’
“I urge all Nigerians to use this period to pray for the restoration of peace and economic stability in our nation,’’ She said.
Mr Abraham Gado, an artisan in Kuje said that he and his family were celebrating on a low key as they could not travel to the village. NAN reports that ‘DHALZY POINT’, a popular recreational spot in Kuje, populated during festive periods, had few fun seekers during the celebration.