Easter: Nigerians lament poor economic situation

• FRSC assures safety of lives, property
Nigerians , yesterday, lamented the deplorable economic situation in the country, saying it is affecting their preparation for the 2024 Easter celebration.

The Federal Government had declared today and Monday as public holidays in commemoration of 2024 Good Friday and Easter celebrations.

Good Friday is a day slated for Christians all over the world to celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago for the remission of mankind’s sins, while Sunday is celebrated for his resurrection and Monday his ascension to heaven.

But Nigerians, who spoke to The Guardian on their preparation for the celebration, yesterday, lamented the excruciating economic situation in the country which has affected their purchasing powers.

According to a banker, Silvia Gbenga, her family’s usual plan to spend time in a hotel is no longer feasible considering the precarious economic situation.

“There is not much money to have a good time. Certainly, this year is not going to be the same because of the cash crunch and bad economy.

“We normally plan for the celebration at least a week ahead but even if someone is given a month, it will amount to nothing because the resources are not just there this year,” she said.

Another respondent, Raymond Salubi, said he had more disposable income to plan for the celebration last year but there was none of such this year.

“At this time last year, I’d done the essentials, I had a concrete plan to hang out with my friends but there is nothing like that this year because everything is spent on consumption and there are more people on the streets begging for money and I have to help out.

“We were in much better situation last year in terms of economy, our currency has not been so devalued like the way it is, and the price of fuel was still better last year.

“I could buy 10 litres of fuel to run my generator because of the price but I can’t do that anymore, we do not have to spend much around this time last year. The power situation is terrible now in Nigeria,” he declared.

Advising Nigerians who are struggling economically, he said: “Nigerians should just have to keep hope alive because there is life when there is hope; people should reach out to those that can help them and don’t have to engage in crime because that is not a good way out of the situation. Nigerians should also help others.

On his part, Saheed Adediran said: “We leave all in the hands of God. Things are not easy, but I trust in God. My tricycle is on hire purchase and I am yet to complete the payment.

“This time last year, I had some of the things for the celebration, but I can’t afford them now, I don’t have anything in my account. The government should really reconsider and see to the suffering of the people.

Another respondent, Sunday Asuquo said: “Only someone that has the means will bother about Easter preparation. I will be at work to look for money to feed my family on Easter Day. Nothing is improving in Nigeria, the year is far worse than last year. Things are out of hand now.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Kogi State Sector Command has reassured the public of her commitment to ensuring safety of lives and property.

It also assured of its preparedness towards a safer motoring environment in the State throughout the Easter period and beyond.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander, Samuel Oyedeji advised all road users to guide their conducts and maintain good behaviours on highways as a reflection of the death of Christ for mankind and his resurrection which was born out of love.

He disclosed the Command’s readiness to consolidate on the Corps goal of achieving five per cent reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries in 2024 through heightened enforcement, public enlightenment, advocacy and effective collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.

To this end, he confirmed that the Command has already keyed into the FRSC National HQ Operational order for 2024 Easter Special Patrol operations and deployed over 600 personnel throughout the state with special marshals.

He said logistics include 18 patrol vehicles, one heavy tow truck and four ambulances to guarantee safety of motorists in the state and enhance Corps visibility on the highways during the period.

He also emphasised that the Corps will ensure prompt rescue services, traffic calming and lane discipline, speedy removal of obstructions, public education/enlightenment among others to achieve hitch-free vehicular movements during the period.