The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yuletide

  • Yuletide amid tight security

    Yuletide amid tight security

    It is the season of much movement, sharing and felicity, yet, for the security community, it is a time of red alert. After the series of attacks in the nation’s capital in the not-too-distant past, and also the latest signals that terrorists may yet strike again during the festivities, security personnel are taking no chances.

    Security officials have drafted more of their men to various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) especially the major roads.

    The military and the police force have mounted bomb detectors and road blocks on all the major roads leading into the nation’s capital.

    Some of those places are the Airport Road, Kubwa, Dede Expressway and the Nyanya-Mararaba axis.

    Top security personnel who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that Islamist fundamentalists would be prevented from causing problems.

    “We are not going to allow the Boko Haram members to disrupt this season,” he said. “We have gotten security reports that the sect members are planning to bomb major places in and outside Abuja.

    “If you observe all formations of the Army, police and the State Security Service (SSS), are involved in ensuring that this bad act does not take place. We are working day and night to avert calamity.

    “Explosive detectors are all around the city while more Army personnel are involved now as against what used to be. Nobody is above the search. The bad eggs among us will not have their way this time around. Members of the public should please report any suspicious moves if noticed.”

    Comprehensive stop and search is ongoing within the city, although at some of the checkpoints, the security agents present did not bother to search vehicles as they simply stare at every motorist driving past.

    A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke on the situation commended the action of government and urged security operatives not to relent as the sect is not resting on their oars.

    It is a general belief that the Christmas season, which is a period that Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, has always been an unusual period, possibly because no other festive period could be seen as equal to it, as it stands at ushering in the New Year.

    Also, apart from ushering in the New Year, it creates a frenzy atmosphere and exciting anticipation in major cities, towns and villages of the world and the FCT is no different.

    However, since the 2011 at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla in Suleja, just outside the FCT, in which many lost their lives and the continued insurgent activities of the dreaded Boko Haram, Christmas celebration in the FCT has been celebrated in low key, with most residents staying indoors and occasionally venturing out because of security situation.

    It was quite unfortunate that in as much as people will like to enjoy lives to the fullest in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the fear of safety and security measures adopted across the capital territory conspired to constrained their plans and movement.

    With the mounting security concern in the country, some of the popular places like Wonderland, Millennium Park, Abuja Amusement Park got less patronage between 2012 and 2013 Christmas celebrations, as residents of the FCT resorted to enclosed celebration within their homes, hotels, churches and visiting friends, colleagues and relatives.

    Being the seat of power and administrative hub of the nation, prominent government officials and corporate personalities also use the opportunity to pay homage to their bosses, superiors and colleagues prominent among them being the visit to the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed and President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa.

    The situation is however getting better with government re-invigorate the frenzy mood of the season since 2012 December, up until this years December, with most Christmas decorations in almost every strategic area of the FCT, giving the mood a more sensational look.

    The FCT is unlike the East with its buzz of people returning from long stay abroad, also where indigenes often travel from wherever they reside in different parts of the world to return home to reunite and celebrate with family members, while lubricating the economy of their respective towns and it is also not like Lagos where most events are celebrated on the streets, beaches, churches and public centres with colourful carols and carnivals.

    Most people also recognised the fact that majority of Abuja residents are not indigenes of the territory, so they have to travel to their various states and local communities to celebrate the season with their relatives and old friends who they left behind to seek greener pasture in the FCT and as well use the festive period to attend numerous family and communal development meetings.

    Although, the security situation has not changed much in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, but residents of the FCT are beginning to loosen up and the city is beginning to come back to life with hotels, worship centres, offices, shopping malls, especially banks taking the lead with Christmas decorations.

    An Event Manager, Mrs Joy SALAMI explained that Christmas is a period traditionally recognised and celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries, that it also offers Christians a unique opportunity to reinforce this same message of love, unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence to none Christians alike.

    “Christmas celebration to many people, Christians and none Christians see the period as a unique one. That is why they look out for it with high expectation. One other unique aspect of Christmas is the date, which is always December 25, which everybody knows, even known Christians and it has not changed for centuries, unlike other celebrations that change from one date to the other, apart from the New Year celebration which is January 1.

    “During this period, Christians are expected to show love and oneness, by sharing gifts with loved ones, which include neighbours which are Christians and none Christians. Also, Nigerians should also use it as a period of sober reflection, preparing our minds for the New Year that is approaching after the Christmas celebration, on how we are going to enter the New Year with love and unity in our hearts,” she said.

    After the Xmas and Boxing Day celebrations, ABUJA REVIEW went round the city to ask from the residents on how they celebrated both days and their views of the security situation  although no calamity was recorded.

    Miss Blessing Mohammed expressed confident in the security operatives of the security situation in the capital city especially when no calamity was recorded during the Xmas period and insisted that she will visit relaxation centres with her family and as well visit relatives and friends apart from the church program during the New Year.

    “I am happy that Abuja is peaceful, I will also spend my New Year in Abuja with my family. So I will visit a lot of places with friends, because, it has been a long time since I went out with my friends, because of the nature of my job. It is also a time for me to give to the needy and be a blessing to others,” she said.

    The Inspector General of Police was also seen at Jabi Lake ensuring that poeple are secured having fun and he vowed that the security situation will remain tight even after the festive period.

     

  • Glo urges peace, reconciliation at Yuletide

    Glo urges peace, reconciliation at Yuletide

    National Telecoms provider, Globacom,  has wished all Christians in Nigeria a very joyous Christmas celebration and called on Nigerians to live in  peace with one another in line with the teachings of Jesus  Christ who is the reason for the season.

    The company  urged the Christian faithful in the country to use the  season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to  spread the joy of the  season and pray for the progress of Nigeria.

    In a goodwill message issued in Lagos, Globacom wished Christians a season full of love, unlimited happiness and  celebration.

    The  telecoms operator urged all Nigerians to use the occasion of the  Yuletide to make peace and reconcile all differences.  “On all fronts, we  need to encourage cordiality and peaceful co-existence; between friends,  families, political opponents , tribes, ethnic groups  and religions,” Globacom said in the  statement.

    “Nigeria can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity. Therefore, Nigerians should imbibe the spirit of tolerance, forgiveness  and forbearance as exhibited by our Lord Jesus Christ. Ethnic, religious and political differences should therefore be transformed into the plank for enduring unity, and not be pushed to extremities”, the statement counseled.

  • Yuletide: Suswam upgrades infrastructure

    Yuletide: Suswam upgrades infrastructure

    A pleasant surprise awaits those travelling to Benue State for the end-of-year holiday. Since November bulldozers and other machinery have been ploughing up and shaping up major roads and streets in the state, especially those in the capital Makurdi and its environs. Streetlights are also being fixed.

    The moribund solar-powered streetlights have come to life, illuminating Makurdi at night.

    Iorchia Ayu Road, Wurukum, one of the majority roads, which is an entry point into the capital, has been reconstructed by contractors Hajiag Nig. Limited.

    Another major street that is a delight to drive through is Osuman Ihyembe Street in Wurukum.

    Benue State Commissioner of Works, Chief John Ngbede told our correspondent that Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration takes continuous infrastructural upgrade seriously.

    Motorists said they were happy that the pot-holes were being fixed.

  • Yuletide: Mark urges renewed prayer

    Yuletide: Mark urges renewed prayer

    Senate President David Mark has urged Nigerians not to despair over the myriads of challenges facing the country.

    Mark said the citizens should instead renew faith in God with the firm believe that with prayers and cooperation with one another, the country would surmount its problems.

    The Senate President added that the situation at the moment did not call for blame games, but a unity of purpose and support to authorities to overcome the challenges.

    This was part of the message Mark sent to his Benue South constituents in Agatu, Apa and Ohimini local government areas, when he distributed foodstuffs through his wife, Helen Mark, under his “End of year reach-out to the people programme”.

  • Smile unveils Yuletide promo

    Broadband service provider, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has announced a 25-day promo titled “The Smile Countdown Promo.”  Perceived by industry observers as a worthwhile yuletide offer, Smile is giving more value for the duration of the promo by offering a Wifi Router with 20GB and 12 months validity for  N23,000.  This is against the original offer of Wifi Router with 10GB and one month validity for the same amount of N23,000.

    Announcing the new promo in Lagos recently, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer; Mrs. Alero Ladipo, said the offer would give individuals the opportunity to stay connected during the festive season with family and friends by receiving value for the right price. She further disclosed that those who buy the 20GB within the promo period for N17,000 would get an extra 10GB.  The original offer was only 20GB for N17,000.

    “Also customers stand to benefit from the out of bundle rate that would apply to their respective bundle for the 12-month period of the promo, which will remain the same as the in-bundle rate, giving customers consistent value all year round. A good way to start the New Year,” Ladipo said.

    It would be recalled that Smile was the first company in Nigeria to introduce new validity period across all 20GB, 50GB, 100GB and 200GB bundles. The extension of the validity period, according to Ladipo, would be beneficial to frequent data users at work and home.                    onsistently provides.

    The promo is part of efforts by the company to make internet service available and affordable to all Nigerians.

    To complement its efforts, Smile is currently providing internet connectivity to a number of schools in the country, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

    The Oyo State government recently commended the efforts of Smile Communications when the company extended such free offer of internet connectivity to Wesley College of Science, Elekuro in Ibadan, where Smile donated free monthly internet data access to the school.

    As an innovative broadband company, Smile Communications launched West Africa’s first true 4G LTE network in Ibadan in 2013 and have subsequently launched in Lagos and now Abuja and Port Harcourt thereby revolutionizing the way people access the Internet.  Earlier in the year, the company was awarded ‘The Best 4G LTE Internet Service Provider of the Year’ at the Cyber Innovation awards held in Lagos. Recently, the company was bestowed with the ICT Investment Company of the Year Award at the Nigerian Telecommunications Award where it was applauded for bringing fast and reliable internet service to Nigerians.  The company has remained consistent in the quality of its internet service delivery and continues to extend the service across the nation.

  • Yuletide joy for the needy

    IT has put the needy in a jolly mood for the season. In the run-up to Christmas, a non-governmental organis-ation (NGO) in Ebonyi State, the Chinedu Ogah Foundation, has distributed various materials to widows and the less privileged in the state.

    At the event, the foundation gave out bags of rice, cash, sewing machines, wrappers and foodstuff to the over 750 widows, less privileged and disabled men and women in the state. Not every needy person may have got the largesse but it was a huge relief for for those who did as well as their dependants.

    The occasion which took place at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki witnessed a large turnout of women who came to grace the ceremony and celebrate with the recipients.

    The recipients included aged men and women, the blind and other physically challenged and widows who cannot cater for themselves but needed all forms of assistance to survive.

    The distribution exercise took several hours as the Chief Executive of the foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah personally distributed the items to ensure that they went to only those it was meant for.

    Responding to the gesture, a disabled from Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Nwankwegu who expressed happiness at the exercise, prayed God to bless the family of the Chief Executive of the Foundation for remembering him at this time.

    “I am very grateful to God for the gesture; who are mine to benefit from these largese; to God be the glory. May God continuously bless him and all his workers”.

    In his remarks, the founder of the NGO, Comrade Chinedu Ogah stated that his greatest motivation in life was to see the less privileged smile and supported to achieve their aim in life.

    According to him, politicians and the wealthy individual in society are suppose to support the less privileged in different areas of life and not abandoned them as if they do not matter.

    “I enjoy seeing the less privileged smile; our foundation is committed to cartering for the needs of all and sundry; this whole exercise costed the foundation about N7 million”.

    The Foundation also gave financial support and other items to policemen, soldiers and members of the society.

  • Yuletide shopping gathers steam

    Yuletide shopping gathers steam

    Few weeks to Christmas, the frenzy of spending is already building up as shopping arcades across the federation are becoming beehives of activities. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

    IT’S the Yuletide season. It is that period of the year most people shop as a matter of necessity. Yes, shopping is part of the fun, glamour and glitz that go with December sales and Christmas in particular.

    Investigation by The Nation Shopping shows that these last weeks have seen shoppers in the Lagos metropolis take advantage of the Christmas celebration to partake in the ongoing yearly ‘yearend smart deals’ taking place at shopping malls and major open markets.

    Interestingly, not only are the malls’ popularity soaring, but their centre managers note that sale of Christmas items is beginning to climb strongly as the festive season approaches.

    From students awaiting holiday, upcountry traders, loving parents with shoe-string budgets, visitors living in the city who will return to their different home towns for December holidays, everyone is looking to buy something.

    When The Nation Shopping visited some markets and malls across the metropolis, one of the pictures which kept resonating is that people are in the mood for Christmas, with the rush to get good bargains ahead of the yuletide celebration proper.

    Indeed, across the metropolis, the usual upsurge in human traffic in major markets and shopping places can hardly go unnoticed. Such increased tempo of activities resurfaces to prepare people for Christmas celebration, which comes up in two weeks. Major markets are becoming busier and traders at these markets say patronage are increasing by the day. The Nation Shopping also observed that sales are picking up with more crowds and more items on display.

    “Buy! Na small money,” (take your pick at N500 each) screamed a dealer in children’s wears at the popular Balogun market in Lagos.

    “Pay N1, 000 for Wrangler or Levis jeans,” shouted another lady at a Mandilas store representative’s shop in a nearby street on the island.

    “Gbanjo, gbanjo na N200 for one” (ladies tops for N200 each) chorused another.

    At Idumota market, men are looking for just the right clothes for their women, while the women are shopping for their men too. And mothers are busy digging into their wallets to shop for their children, not forgetting gifts for extended family and friends.

    Fashionistas are storming pricey shops on Awolowo Way and under the bridge in Ikeja to pick items by popular designers. Price tags for such designer wares such as a pair of shoes ranged from N2, 500 to N6, 500 to N8, 000.

    A leather shoe in such high-end shops could be between N30, 000 and N55, 000 and those who know the worth of the designer goods are comfortable paying. They waste no time, no haggling.

    Also, people who have less disposable cash choose to storm fairly used stalls, otherwise known as Akube markets to take their pick of hand-me-down especially second-hand clothes, shoes, ladies hand bags and necessary accessories for the Christmas celebration.

    For sellers, it is that time of the year when they make brisk business.

    A cross-section of retailers at Balogun market said sales of Christmas decorations, clothing, jewellery and household items in the last two weeks have increased tremendously, following the offers which have been ongoing for some time.

    According to them, this year is witnessing the strongest sales not only of clothes and Christmas decorations, but also food, gift items and children wares.

    Describing the rush at this time of the year when Christmas is two weeks away, Ayoade Arogundade, a shopper, said shopping places particularly in the open markets are indeed very chaotic.

    For the malls, she said the long queue at the point of making payments through Point of Sales (PoS) terminals is frustrating.

    “At this time of the year, it is one thing to buy items from a store, and another thing to make payment. But i am compensated with the price slash available everywhere to help people shop for Christmas.”

    At the new Apapa mall along Park- Lane in Lagos, a shopper, Serah Akumah said she avoided the crowd at other shopping malls, especially at the open market.

    “I decided to visit the mall having presumed that there will be fewer people and less rush here. But I was wrong, you know! I could hardly find a parking space,” she said.

    At the Adeniran Ogunsanya mall, a shopper, Kikelomo Adeyeye, was among those who took advantage of the discounts available on items bought.

    She went home with a 20-piece glassware set sold for N25, 000 instead of its original price of N35, 000 and a foot-long Santa Claus ornament she bought for her son at 15 per cent discount.

    “Some of these items, such as the ornaments, are not cheap, when it is not Christmas period,” she said.

    Just like Kikelomo, her sibling, Funmilola, also took advantage of the good bargain.

    “I’ve been able to save about N45, 500 after my shopping, it is definitely worth being here at this time,” she said.

    However, some mall managers told The Nation Shopping that the quantum of sales normally increases two months to the festive month and that customers are definitely getting their best bargains.

    “We have experienced very massive sales in our parking section as well as in other sections where we realise revenue because of the number of people who visit the mall daily. We meet very understanding customers who agree to work with the space we have at this very busy period,” said Eniola Ositelu, Marketing Manager Ikeja City Mall.

    Echoing similar sentiment, Modupe Shopeju, who runs Delightsome Gifts Concepts, a gift store situated in Lagos Island, said: “Over the past weeks, I have noticed that stores are stocking more items that were flying off the shelves quickly.” She added that these stores, including hers encourage shoppers to take advantage of the ‘year ending deals’ to meet their immediate needs.

    “People are simply making use of the opportunity available to them this season. However, the sales will continue till January next year,” she said.

    A sales person at Leisure Mall explained that  the number of orders in his store began to rise a month ago invarious ways via the telephone and internet, because of the offers available for Christmas.

    “Our mouth watering offers have been on since last month and will extend till after Christmas and New Year. This is to help our customers acquire their desired items at affordable prices and help us empty our stores to restock for the New Year. Most of us do not want to carry over our old stock into the New Year. All we want is New Year …. new things,” he said.

     

  • Yuletide: Police bans knockouts in FCT

    The Nigeria Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory has banned the use of fireworks and knockouts during the yuletide.

    The police explained that the ban is due to the prevailing security situation in the country, adding that the act will increase fear and panic.

    The police threatened to arrest and persecute anyone who is found guilty.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, Peter Okechukwu.

    The statement reads: “In view of the prevailing security situation in the country, the FCT Police Command wishes to inform the residents and visitors of the FCT that the use of fireworks and knockouts during the Christmas and New Year celebrations is banned.

    “Any violator, if arrested, will face the full wrath of the law.

    “Parents and guardians are hereby, warned to prevail on their children and wards to desist from this act, as it heightens panic and fear.

    “Police patrol teams and undercover detectives have been deployed throughout the territory to monitor and arrest any violator.

    “Furthermore, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers are under strict instruction to arrest, detain and prosecute any perpetrator of this act.”

     

  • Yuletide: Prices of clothes, foodstuffs soar in Makurdi

    Yuletide: Prices of clothes, foodstuffs soar in Makurdi

    Ahead of the yuletide celebrations, prices of clothes and food commodities in most markets and sales outlets in Makurdi, Benue state capital are already on the increase.

    A survey of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi showed that the prices of baby wears and ladies shoes went up by at least 30 percent compared to their previous prices same time last year.

    The investigations also showed that fresh tomatoes, cooking oil, rice and tubers were affected by the price increase.

    A pair of baby shoes, which sold for N2,000 same time last year, has now gone up to N3,000, while a girl’s gown which previously sold for N3000 went up to N5000.

    A basket of tomatoes at the Makurdi modern market, sold for N1, 200 has increased to N1, 700, while the price of rice ranged between N10, 000 and N10, 300.

    Similarly, a basket of pepper which sold for N550 increased to about N600 and N630 while a basket of onions previously sold for N500 went up to N600.

    The survey also showed that a bag of oranges increased from N3, 000 to N4, 000, while beauty products also had marginal increment of N500 on them.

    A cross section of the traders told NAN that several factors were responsible for the price increases.

    Mr. Duben Onyia, a dealer in children wears attributed the price increase to bad roads, insecurity and increase in the demand on the products.

    “The roads are worsening by the day and insecurity and scarcity contributes.

    “Civil servants used their November salaries to shop for kids for the yuletide, which also makes the prices to soar.

    However, Mrs. Stella Ordue, a member of Market Women Association, Makurdi complained of low patronage, blaming the situation on non circulation of money due to politics.

    Another trader, Terna kartyo, said bad roads and the hike of the transportation of goods to the markets were reasons for the increase in prices.

    At the Railway Market, there was relative stability in prices of commodities but traders generally complained of low sales

    Mrs. Patricia Tsegba, a dealer in frozen foods, attributed the poor sales to the state of the economy, especially the insecurity and power supply.

    “Insecurity and power supply are major issue in the country.

    “Even though we have not increased prices, patronage is still very low, a carton of frozen chicken still sells between N7,5 000 and N8, 500.”

    Mrs. Sesugh Ater, who sells cassava flour and dry seeds, also complained of poor sales.

    A meat seller, Idris Hassan, attributed the hike in prices of food items to transportation problems.

    Mrs. Msuur Tyough, a hair dresser said, it had been observed that ladies now make expensive and long lasting hair to avoid the last minute rush.

    “At the beginning of each first day of December, prices of hairstyles usually go up, such as braids, fixing of Kinkin and other weav-ons,” she said.

    “I fix kinkin (dreadlocks) for N1500 ordinary period but now it’s between N2500 and N3000 “.

    The survey also showed that the prices of home decorations and kitchen utensils remained unchanged.

    Meanwhile, a consumer, Mrs. Erdoo Iber, has appealed to the state government, to re-introduce the price control system, to regulate prices, especially during festive seasons.

  • Yuletide: We’ll not increase fares — rtean

    Yuletide: We’ll not increase fares — rtean

    The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria has assured Nigerians that the body will not increase fares during the Christmas celebration, despite the falling price of oil in the international market.

    Newly elected Chairman of the Association in Ekiti State, Pastor Samuel Olugbenga Agbede, said the decision of the national secretariat not to increase fares during the celebration will be carried to members of the association across the country.

    He said the body has well-educated members who respect the rule of law and their leaders, pointing out that even though drivers are always responsible for increase in fares, the body will ensure that the decision of the association is respected.

    Pastor Agbede said one of his major priorities as the state Chairman will be to create a cooperative society that will assist its members in buying vehicles at the zero-interest rate.

    He said: “My first priority  will be to unite all the factions of the union in the state. I am happy that our national President has already done that partially for us because the newly elected executive had the two factions represented on an equal basis.

    “I will also create a cooperative society to assist all our members to buy vehicles at the zero-interest rate. Before now, we used to buy vehicles on a hire-purchase basis. If we can pull our resources together and assist one another, I believe that it will go a long way in alleviating our suffering.

    “By the grace of God, we will talk to the government of the day in Ekiti State to help us develop the transport sector in the state.

    “The governor has promised to assist us in many ways. He has promised to assist the transport sector and I believe that he is a man of his words.

    “By the mandate of our constitution, we are bound to support the government of the day and we will do everything possible to support the government and that is what we are going to do. We are going to canvass support for the government of Ekiti State and the government of President Jonathan for continuity”.