By Kingsley Chukwuka
A Jos business man has advised Nigerians to limit unnecessary travels this Christmas, arguing that the economic and insecurity situation the country found itself in 2020 does not encourage further frivolities, and exposure to bandits.
The businessman known for his exclusive interior furnitures and sofas, Mr Chinedu Madueke, said the bad roads expose one to insecurity and the pandemic Covid-19 has also further worsened the economic situation, grounding businesses to zero.
Speaking to our correspondent on Thursday in Jos, Madueke said considering the current hardship, people should be wise and learn to prioritise their needs, adding that Christmas can be celebrated anywhere.
According to him: “Almost two weeks to this year’s celebration, the usual expectations, preparations, ecstasy and upbeats that usually accompany it are clearly missing in the air. Instead, the atmosphere is that of frustration, anxiety, complaints, indifference, lamentations, and despondency among the Christian faithful. This is because of the gloomy and bleak living conditions occasioned by the country’s economic recession.
“The recession, which came like a bolt from the blues due to several factors, including the sudden crash in the price of crude oil, has inflicted a lot of pains and misery in several homes in Nigeria today.
“While many companies have closed down, those still in operation are struggling to remain afloat. There is rising inflation, cost of living is high and people are losing jobs, while new jobs are not being created. Today, not many families can afford three square meals.
“Since I was born, I have never witnessed this kind of economic hardship in Nigeria. It is too tough for people to the extent that people are doing unusual things to survive.
“While we need to be prayerful, there is also the need for us to live within our income. We should not be so desperate or worried about how to celebrate Christmas. There are many more Christmas celebrations after this year. We don’t need much to celebrate the festival.
“If you ask me, I will say that we should pray on that day and eat our normal meals. I have told my family members, especially my children to be less worried about this year’s Christmas”, he said.
Our correspondent reports that globally Christmas Day is a special day for the Christian faithful. It is set aside to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, annually Christians look up to the celebration of the nativity with great expectations and enthusiasm. While some Christians don’t celebrate Christmas, others celebrate it on different dates. In Nigeria, it is celebrated every December 25, amidst pomp and pageantry.
