Surviving During Yuletide despite Border Closure
-By Kenny Folarin
Christmas time is usually a season filled with glitz and glamour of merry-making, a time celebrated all over the world commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Christian faith.
Nigerians always look forward to the season of celebration with anticipation of goodies, goodwill and atmosphere for sharing gift items to friends and relatives
Observed on December 25 of every year, Christmas in Nigeria is at once, both a religious and cultural celebration among millions of adherents in the country. The period before, during and after Christmas day is marked by conviviality, merriment, wining and dining.
The dominant activities during the festivity in Nigeria include eating traditional cuisines, sharing of gifts and cards as well as visiting friends, family and places of interest.
In Nigeria, the Christmas celebration receives substantial influence and coloration from the indisputable Nigerian spirit. With over half of her population bearing allegiance to the Christian faith and residing mainly in the south, Christmas is a big deal in Nigeria. So much so that individuals begin to make plans for celebrating Christmas, right from the beginning of the year.
Nigerians have a unique perspective of Christmas. This shows in the ways and manners in which the average Nigerian celebrates the festivity. You will sense the palpable tension and energy in the atmosphere, you will notice the preparations and activity and you will come to grips with Christmas from a Nigerian perspective.
Meanwhile, the economic situation determines, to a large extent, how Christmas is celebrated in Nigeria.
Following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari on border closure till January, 2020, the yuletide seems bleak for many considering the hike in prices of food commodities and transportation fare which hitherto has been a custom in Nigeria.
The effect has hit hard on Nigerians such that many who had earlier planned travelling to enjoy the festive season are inconclusive on whether to travel or not, meanwhile many had already travelled irrespective of current situation.
Barely three weeks to Christmas, Nigerians are experiencing frustration and pains over the hike in the prices of staples; decline in business activities of some traders; as well as inflation headache. Both traders and consumers have expressed mixed reactions in the closure of Nigeria’s land borders.
The prices of such staples as rice, frozen chicken, frozen turkey and groundnut oil which often finds their way into the country from neighbouring ECOWAS countries via the borders have increased as they become sparse in the local market.
Meanwhile, Christmas should not be celebrated to impress and satisfy others at the expense of oneself.
