Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed optimism of celebrating the Yuletide in good health and well being in spite of the hard economic situation. .
The residents who acknowledged the government’s efforts in improving citizens’ lives in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, urged the government to do more.
According to them, the times have been tough, and we hope the new year brings good tidings to the masses.
They, however, called on the government and relevant bodies and stakeholders to aid the poor masses.
Mr Anthony Oche, a trader, said:” I commend the many efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which are targeted toward improving the lives of Nigerians.
”In spite of these efforts, a lot still needs to be done, as there is hunger and suffering in the land, and people are helpless.
” I am appealing that more measures be put in place to ameliorate the sufferings of citizens and enable them to enjoy the coming festive period,” Oche said.
A businesswoman, Ms Gloria Attah, also decried the high cost of living in the country with little or no money to purchase items.
Attah said:” honestly, this coming Christmas for me and my family is a period of reflection and thanksgiving for life.
”This is because the money is not even there to engage in unnecessary and frivolous spending.”
Another resident, Mr Johnson Terna, urged the government to look into the issues of power and the cost of transportation, as they were affecting many businesses in the country.
He said:”I think if the issue of power and transportation is tackled, the lives of many Nigerians will be better as these factors negatively affect the cost of living.”
Mrs Veronica Aba, a businesswoman and mother of three children, thanked God for sparing her life and her family throughout the year.
Aba said: ” I am almost forgetting that Christmas is a few days away because I am still yet to see or smell it around my vicinity, unlike how it has been in the past.
” Things are very tough, and many families struggle to feed and get by. I thank God for my petty business because it puts food on the table.”
Mr Ifeanyi Ukaegwu, a businessman, said:” I always travel to the village with my family every festive period.
”This time, I do not think we are going anywhere because the cost of fueling my vehicle to the village is very high, and I cannot guarantee the safety of my family on the road.
”We thank God for good health. So we should stay in Abuja in good health and celebrate Christmas.
”After all, it is not our birthday but the birthday of Jesus. So it can be celebrated anywhere,” Ukaegwu said.
Mrs Nkechi Nwachi, a tailor, lamented the low patronage of her business, saying that just a few clients have brought materials for sewing.
Nwachi said: ” before, I normally warned my apprentice to stop collecting clothes for sewing at about this time because the shop is usually flooded with people’s material.
”But this time, it is almost like we are begging the customers to come and make their dresses even at a reduced price, not considering the high cost of producing them.
”Yet, only very few clients are willing to make new dresses. I trust God that they will still come because I need the money to cater for my family’s needs.”
Mr Kennedy Okoro, a taxi driver, decried the continued gradual increase in the cost of petrol and the high cost of maintaining vehicles.
” The fuel cost is increasing daily, and we hope the palliatives come early and trickle down. I think the people in charge know what they are doing; I just pray the government will look into the matter.
”We taxi drivers have little or no choice but to buy fuel at all costs because we must work and make money.
” Our major challenge is that passengers are not even ready to pay the commiserate fair; although, you cannot blame them because things are difficult for everyone.
” Also, fixing our vehicles when they break down is expensive. Most car parts are imported, and the high exchange rate is not helping, ”he said.
Similarly, Mr Godswill Agbo, a primary school teacher, urged the government to intervene and provide spontaneous solutions to Nigerians’ difficulties.
