Low turnout of fun seekers at Abuja recreational parks

Low turnout of fun seekers at Abuja recreational parks
NAN-H-44
Independence
Anita Eboigbe/Olamide Sanni
Abuja, Oct. 2, 2017 (NAN) Some recreational parks in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja recorded low turnout of visitors for the Independence day celebrations which continued on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the popular Millennium park park, fewer funseekers were seen having fun.
Mr Felix Iyanga, a banker told the NAN that he was not pleased at the turnout, but he was also not surprised.
“People have lesser time for fun this year because of the economic situation and security reason.
“Most people are scared of the Biafra threat and are staying indoors for the celebration.”
Iyanga said although he visited the park with his family, he is still very cautious and does not intend to spend a long time there.
Similarly, Mrs Blessing Achinuvu a school teacher said, “Nigerians are grateful that we are making this year in peace and tranquility.
However, it does not douse the fear that people have about this year’s celebration.
” I came with my family to relax and met the place scanty. I believe more people will come out later.
“This is the coldest independence celebration so far,” she said.

A flag seller at the park, Mr. Somto Chukwura said the low turnout affected the sales of his flags.
He said he sold over a hundred flags last year but had not sold up to thirty this year.
“People did not come out and I have not sold anything much unlike last year; when I finished the more than hundred flags that I brought here for sale.
”I have been to other parks too and still cannot sell much. People are at home this year.”
Also, Mrs Joyce Ojekwu, a drink vendor at the park said she almost did not come to sell her wares as she feared that the turnout would be as low due to the security rumours.
“They said people would not come out because of the threat and everywhere is scanty. Since yesterday (independence day), I have not even sold up to half of my normal sales.
” This kind of thing has not happened before, even today that is a public holiday is not better. People are scared,” she said.
The situation was not different at the Jabi Lake Waterfront, Jabi where very few visitors were seen.
A security officer Mr. Samuel Oguntobi said that the celebrations may be very cold but Nigerians should be grateful for the peace.
Oguntibi who attributed the scantiness to security challenges said, “the celebrations are not as heavy as they used to be but we should be grateful that we can move up and down.
” Many Nigerians are being security conscious and that is why they are careful to come out.
“We can thank God for the peace we are experiencing and ask for the growth of the nation.”
Meanwhile, taxi drivers have expressed their dissatisfaction at the low rate of customers in the two day celebrations.
One of the drivers, Mr. Peter Anyanwu told NAN that the passengers on the road are even lesser than they usually are on normal days.
“We thought that during this celebration, we would carry plenty people and make a lot of money.
“I have been patrolling the towns looking for passengers but have picked only a few. It seems like people do not want to go out to celebrate this year.”
Another taxi driver, Mr. Mohammed Bala said he had only carried about three passengers since the day began and does not think he would be able to pick much more.
He said, “This independence celebration did not make any noise like last year’s.
“This one is a lot quiet and business is not moving at all.
“I hope to carry more people today but the streets are quite empty for the customers to go round.” (NAN)
AEE/OS/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi