Christmas: Recreation parks in FCT record low turnout

Low turn out at one of Abuja parks

Operators of some recreation parks within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have complained of low patronage as Nigerians celebrate the Christmas.

Mr Abdulatif Olaosebikan, the Head, Programmes and Events, Parks and Recreation Department, FCT Administration, attributed the low patronage to the security situation in the country.

He advised all Nigerians to be security conscious and to support the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency.

``The parks and recreation department collaborated with the Jabi Lake users to package some events basically for the festive season.

``But the turnout has been quite low and the main reason for this is the security situation in the country.

``My advice to Nigerians is that they should not panic; rather they should be security conscious and support government in its fight against insurgency,’’ he said.

A fun seeker in the park, Mrs Atinuke Ademola, attributed the low turnout to the fact that many people do not have money to celebrate the Christmas.

`` It is obvious that many civil servants are yet to be paid their salary; so, how does anyone expect them to come out and celebrate with their family?

``Celebration is all about spending money and the government should find the means to pay workers’ their salary.

``At least they can still join in the celebration since we are yet to celebrate the New Year.’’

She pleaded with Nigerians to be security conscious all the time and to avoid unnecessary outings.

Mr Ifeanyi Uche, a banker, told NAN that the low patronage was probably due to the fact that many residents had travelled out of Abuja for the Christmas.

He said that the low turnout could also be attributed to the fact that most people could have decided to rest at home with their families.

``They could also have decided to stay indoors for fear of the insurgency in the country.’’

Uche, however, expressed hope that the current security threat posed by the insurgents would soon become a thing of the past and urged government to act urgently and decisively.

Mr Jacobs Akin, Operational Manager of Assorted Foods and Integrated Park, Jabi, attributed the low patronage to cash crunch.

He said in spite of the discount given to customers during the festive period, there was still low patronage.

He said that money would have been the barrier for most families not able to come out to celebrate.