By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja..
Despite the biting economic hardship and other daunting realities in Nigeria, Christian residents of Lokoja, Kogi State, say they are resolute in cutting their coat according to their lean pockets as they prepare to mark the sacred Christmas celebration, traditionally observed on December 25 each year.
Our Correspondent, who visited some malls and shops selling Christmas items, on Thursday,observed that only a few goods were on display, while traders on Christmas gifts told The Reporters that patronage had been significantly low compared to previous years.
Findings by The Reporters showed that the decorative items which once adorned the premises of banks and other commercial outfits in Lokoja in previous years have largely disappeared.
At the popular Ganaja junction in the state capital, which usually shows assorted Christmas items for sale ,few of such items were seen,while sellers stood pensive, waiting for buyers.
One of such sellers, Kenneth Ndubusi, in an interview with our correspondent,described patronage of his goods as very poor this year, tracing the unfavorable development to the dull economic situation and its multiplier on the people.
He urged the Tinubu-led government to intensify efforts to “repair the economy in 2026”, so that Nigerians can once again have reasons to smile.
