NAN-45
Celebration
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Jan.1, 2017 (NAN) In spite of the economic recession, many fun seekers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday visited different recreation centres and parks to celebrate the New Year.
They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews expressing their feelings and expectations for 2017.
At the Monoliza Park located at Area 11, Malam Ibrahim Inuwa, a civil servant in company of his wife, Hajara and their three children said they were in the park to celebrate.
“First of all, I want to thank the Almighty Allah for making it possible to see another year; I brought my family here to celebrate the New Year.
“Even though we are in recession, that does not mean we should not celebrate; it is not easy to see another year; many could not witness today.
“I am not the only one, you can see, a lot of families are here to do the same thing, seeing another year is worthy of celebration,’’ Inuwa said.
Another fun seeker, Mrs Ruth Luka, a petty trader said she was at the park with her three daughters to have fun.
Luka said that though business was slow due to the current economic situation, she still decided to bring her girls out to the park to have fun.
“You can see my three girls in the Elephant Ride having fun; no dulling at all; we thank God for another year.
“Things are not easy now, but we thank God for everything; the most important thing is that we are alive to see 2017.
“I pray that all the sufferings in 2016 will end in this New Year,’’ Luka said.
At the popcorn arena in the park, Malam Suleiman Bawa who was seen selling the snack told NAN that business was progressing smoothly.
Bawa stated that they made a lot of sales during the Christmas, adding that he was optimistic that sales would improve in the New Year.
Mr Jacob Ikya, the Manager of the park told NAN that the patronage was encouraging.
“You can see large number of people, both Christians and Muslims coming to have fun; some that came with large families are given discount.
“Some people are complaining of lack of money to pay for entry, but we always do our best for them, because we know what is happening in the country.
“Summarily, the patronage is encouraging and we appreciate our customers,’’ Ikya said.
At the Millennium Park located near Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, large number of people were seen sitting on mats and having fun.
NAN reports that some families visited the parks with their own assorted foods and drinks in different sizes of coolers.
Mrs Irene James, a resident and eatery operator told NAN she was at the park with her children and relations to celebrate the New Year.
“I have two coolers of rice with meat and soft drinks here to enjoy ourselves; `God punish recession’ we must survive.
“2017 is a year of matching forward for good; we are happy and we thank God for this year.
“You can see how the park is filled with different families sitting on mats and having good time; 2017 will be better,’’ James said.
NAN reports that the children play ground in the park was filled with little children playing.
Also at the gate of the park, young men were seen offering horse-ride to interested fun seekers.
Aliyu Ibrahim, who offers horse-ride service, told NAN that some parents just wanted their children to sit on the horse’s back and take photographs.
“We charge N100 for one person to sit on the horse and take a snap shot and two hundred naira for a ride.
“The patronage is encouraging; people are coming and we are making some money; we thank Allah for everything,’’ he said.
A side attraction in the park was a talent hunt tagged “ Gospel on the Street and Mentoring’’ organised by Pastor Felix Adetayo of `Youth on Fire for Christ.’
Adetayo said it was a platform for youths in the parks to showcase their talents either in singing or dancing.
“We hope to have three winners in each of the category; this is a place for transformation.
“What we do here aside catching fun is to discover talents in our youths and take it up from there,’’ he said.
NAN reports that a Union Bank Mobile Automated Teller Machine with plate number PF 692SPY was stationed at the gate of the park to service fun seekers who may run out of cash.
Malam Dauda Mustapha, who sells barbeque at the gate, told NAN that patronage was high and he was also enjoying himself.
“Plenty people are buying from me; I thank God; 2017 will be better insha-Allah.’’
At the Magic Land (Former Wonderland) Amusement Park, near the City Gate was also filled with fun seekers in their large numbers.
Mr Emmanuel Umeh, a resident told NAN that he was at the park to celebrate the New Year.
“Seeing 2017 is enough reason to thank God and celebrate; that is why we are here.
“You can see so many people are also here to celebrate; to God be the glory; Nigerians should continue to pray for the country and the leaders to rule us better.
“I believe things will get better in this year 2017,’’ Umeh said.
Mr Paul Okoh, the Manager of the park said that patronage was high and that fun seekers were having good time in the park.
“We appreciate all our customers and promise to continue to provide quality services for them to enjoy themselves.’’ (NAN)
CMY/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Ekama
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