Christians on Monday joined their counterparts, across the country and globe to celebrate Christmas in Lagos amid the cash crunch, skyrocketing consumable prices and other economic challenges.
Residents, defying the harsh economic realities, beautified houses, decorated streets, made new hair styles, wore new clothes, slaughtered cows and chickens, and made feasts in different areas of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though low key in some cases, many took out time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, with anticipation of good tidings in the coming year 2024.
At the popular Festac First Avenue, which houses night clubs, recreation centres and parks, people spared time to relax with friends and family members over special delicacies served with exotic wines and melodious tunes.
A visit to the beach resorts at Ijegun waterside at the Oriade Council Area revealed that young Nigerians were having fun with lots of aquatic cuisines on the table.
Worship centres were not left out, as faithful flocked to worship, praise and thank God for seeing another Christmas.
Speaking on the Christmas celebration, a tourist guide at one of the beach resorts, Mr Abel Jimoh, said that such celebration could not be halted and preparations had been put in place for visitors.
Jimoh said that the turn out of fun seekers at the place was however lower than previous years.
Mr Andrew Okolo, a night club proprietor, on his part, said that patronage was high in the night.
He said that as a lot of people came to unwind after the day’s job, with family members.
” We are used to hard times in Nigeria it will not be enough reason for us not to mark the season with celebrations.
“In other areas of the state, street jams are ongoing to entertain the people.
“Let’s live in peace with one another to show the Christ in us and live for one another, show love and care to others the much we can,” he said.
At the Kuje-Amuwo area, popular for its lion base carnival, there were preparations for the event to be held on Thursday.
Some members of the community contributed money to buy cows they sulaghtered and shared to even those that did not pay for it in the spirit of the season.
Local musicians were busy in some streets drumming to entertain people that danced to the tunes and offered the players money in appreciation.(NAN)