Despite the biting economic hardship, Christmas has rented the air, with residents in many parts of Nigeria thronging markets and recreation centres for celebration.
Every December 25, the world celebrates Christmas Day, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria, residents not only declared but proved that the struggling economy could not stop them from celebrating, leading to a bustling festive atmosphere.
Parks, markets, joints, and event centres are booming with activities as the celebration unfolds.
In Kaduna, residents scrambled for clothing and food items in the final hours before Christmas Day. At the Kaduna-Abuja mini motor park, Command Junction, passengers booked trips to Abuja to spend the holiday with loved ones. Meanwhile, shoppers at Sabon Tasha market expressed mixed feelings, many lamenting high prices.
Ema Vitalis, a shopper, said, “This year’s Christmas celebration is not easy. I spent nearly N50,000, but I’ve purchased very little. The hardship is too much, but we must celebrate.”
In Bauchi, the Muda-Lawal market was packed with buyers sourcing meat and vegetables. Tray pushers transported goods through the crowded market. At the chicken street, dealers processed chickens amid a cacophony of crowing birds.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, residents filled the live chicken market at Obbo Road to purchase food items, undeterred by a 100 per cent price hike on livestock, including chickens, turkeys, goats, and staples like rice and semolina.
Kebbi State painted a different picture due to its smaller Christian population. Shopping activities in Birnin Kebbi’s central market were subdued, with some residents lamenting the steep cost of goods. Esther Monday of Dukku Army Barracks expressed frustration over the prices, while Dauda Vanum highlighted the skyrocketing cost of goats, now N70,000 compared to N25,000 previously.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, significant markets such as Creek Road, Mile One, and Mile Three experienced heavy traffic as residents rushed to buy food and clothing.
Eric Achi’s sentiment at Ubani International Modern Market in Umuahia captured the mood: “Christmas comes once a year; it’s inevitable.”
Ekiti State residents flocked to King’s Market, Bisi Market, and Okesa Market in Ado-Ekiti. Buyers and sellers alike were in high spirits, trading and buying items they deemed necessary for the celebrations.
In Akwa Ibom, a previously subdued festive spirit gave way to a bustling atmosphere. Parks, pubs, and markets filled out with activity as holidaymakers arrived, creating traffic congestion in areas like AKTC, Itam, and Nnung Udoe.
Enugu’s markets struggled to accommodate the crowds. Despite economic challenges, residents made last-minute purchases ahead of Christmas, with many markets scheduled to close on December 25.
In Delta State, traders made brisk business at the Ogboigonogo and Midwifery markets in Asaba and Okpanam, and heavy traffic was reported throughout the region.
Imo State, however, revealed a more sombre scene, as many citizens prioritised basic needs over festivities. The non-payment of salaries and pensions exacerbated their struggles, casting a pall over the season.
Harvest Season Crashes Tomato Prices
The festive season brought relief for some as fresh tomato prices plummeted due to the harvest season. At the Dei Dei Tomato Market in Abuja, the price of a basket of premium ‘tomato Jos’ dropped from N130,000 to under N50,000—a 160 per cent cut. This decline followed months of high prices caused by seasonal shortages and pest outbreaks like the Tomato Ebola.
Scotch bonnet peppers also saw significant price reductions.
Aminu Ibrahim, a trader, attributed the drop to the influx of freshly harvested crops. While consumers celebrated the affordability of tomatoes and peppers, traders expressed concern over potential future price hikes as demand surged during the holidays.
Tinubu, Akpabio, Abbas Urge Love, Unity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House 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 significance of Christmas as a symbol of triumph over adversity, noting that “Light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths.”
He expressed confidence in the country’s ongoing restoration and progress.
“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.
“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”
The President acknowledged Nigeria’s challenges, particularly the recent tragedies in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja.
Also, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to use Christmas to promote peace, love, and unity.
In a Christmas message signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio stated that the festive season is a time for celebration and reflection.
“In the spirit of the season, I encourage you to spread love, kindness, and generosity. Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible,” he said.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated Christians as they celebrate Christmas.
While wishing Christians a merry Christmas, Abbas said the birth of Jesus Christ signifies newness and fulfilment and called for a national rebirth at this critical time in Nigerians’ lives.
In a congratulatory message issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker urged Christians and Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for a new Nigeria everyone dreams of.
Speaker Abbas called for prayers for the country and its leaders, especially for political, religious, and traditional leaders.
The Speaker also called for unity, peace, and love for one another across religious and ethnic divides. He expressed his hope that Nigeria would soon become a country that every citizen is proud of.
Similarly, deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu extended his heartfelt felicitations to the Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
In his Christmas message by his chief press secretary, Livinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu emphasised the profound significance of Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of humanity.
By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Nse Anthony – Uko, Aza Msue, Kamal Ibrahim, Kabir Wurma, Abdullahi Olesin, Adeniyi Olugbemi, Anayo Onukwugha, Kalu Eziyi, Iniobong Ekponta, Nnamdi Mbawike, Felix Igbekoyi and Emmanuel Mgheahurike @LEADERSHIP
