Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say worsening economic hardship has limited their plans to visit fun spots as part of activities to celebrate Easter.
The residents, who spoke on Monday in Abuja, expressed concern over their inability to celebrate Easter as they used to do.
Grace Nwankwo, a civil servant, said the high cost of living had forced many families to scale down celebrations during the festive season.
According to her, rising prices of food items and transportation costs have significantly affected social gatherings.
Ms Nwankwo said that many families could no longer afford to host friends and relatives during Easter.
She noted that Easter used to bring families and communities together for social interaction, adding that the current economic hardship had forced many people to celebrate quietly at home.
Jonathan Bello said social visits and recreational outings had reduced drastically.
Mr Bello noted that residents now avoid ceremonies and gatherings due to financial constraints.
He said that many people now focus mainly on feeding their families and meeting basic needs.
According to him, attending social events has become difficult because of increasing expenses.
Blessing Okeke, a trader who sells petty items at Millennium Park, said even small celebrations now required careful financial planning.
Ms Okeke said families that usually organise gatherings during festive periods now avoid such gatherings, adding that the situation had reduced community interactions and weakened social bonds.
Ms Okeke said many residents now limit visits to only essential occasions.
Ibrahim Sadiq, an official in the park, said the hardship had also affected recreational activities.
Mr Sadiq said the prevailing economic hardship had significantly affected recreational activities at the facility.
According to him, the number of visitors who usually come to relax, exercise, and spend leisure time with family and friends has dropped drastically due to rising costs of living.
Mr Sadiq explained that many residents now prioritise basic needs such as food, transportation and other household expenses, leaving little or no funds for leisure activities.
He noted that parks and other relaxation centres, which used to witness large crowds during festive periods even at weekends and holidays, now record fewer visitors.
Mr Sadiq called on relevant authorities to introduce policies to stabilise the prices of essential commodities such as food, fuel, and transportation.
(NAN)