Abuja, Oct.3, 2016 (NAN) Residents of Abuja together with their families on Monday thronged recreation centres across the city to celebrate Nigeria’s 56th Independence anniversary in spite of the downturn in the economy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had declared Monday, Oct. 3 public holiday to commemorate Independence Day, which fell on Saturday.
A NAN correspondent, who visited some amusement parks and fun centres in the city, observed that residents and their families came out in their numbers to relax and enjoy themselves despite the harsh economic climate.
One of the residents, Mr Kenneth Itopa, a civil servant, told NAN, said that unlike previous years’ celebrations, the high cost of living had forced him to scale down on the places the normally visit with his children during festivities.
He said: “I just managed to take my children to Magicland Amusement Park to have fun and get them off my back.
“The prices of foodstuffs and indeed the cost of living generally have skyrocketed; many private firms are being forced to shut down, with resultant job losses.
“Almost all the states across the country owe their employees three to six months’ salary arrears and the citizens are struggling to cope.
“Normally, I would have done more than what I am doing now but I am compelled to cut my coat according to my cloth.’’
Miss Juliana Chinyere told NAN that she came to the park to catch some fun with her friends as she had no money to organize party as was the case in previous years.
“I just came out to catch a little fun with my friends; nothing big because I have no money,’’ she said.
On his part, Mallam Isa Momoh, a banker, said in spite of the economic recession he still had reasons to thank God.
Others fun seekers who spoke to NAN said that the economic downturn should not stop Nigerians from celebrating Independence Day to thank God for giving them another opportunity to mark Nigeria’s independence.