• Abuja residents defile economic crunch, celebrate lover’s day in style
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
In spite of the economic crunch, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) celebrated the Valentine’s Day, as many of them painted the streets with red and white.
St. Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 globally and it is assumed to be lover’s day. Chioma Nnamdi a stylist in Kuju said this was her best valentine celebration as her relationship of eight years was promoted to another level.
She stressed that many people even religious leaders have advised her to quite the relationship that he was playing with her emotions but she refused. “It came as a very big surprise to me because I never expected it this way.
“Many have mocked us including my parents but today the revise is the case” she emphasized He proposed on the Valentine’s day and our traditional and white wedding is coming up in Easter Sunday in my village. “I am so happy for seeing my dreams of being with the man I love come to pass.
“Money is very good but happiness is more important, so I choose my happiness and God endorsed it. I’m so excited.”
John Agada said the day remained special for him and his wife because that was their wedding anniversary: “God has kept us together despite all the trials. In the 20 years of my marriage, we have always made Valentine’s Day a memorable day. This year is not an exception as you can see we are out here to have fun.
“This is our love story so the kids are out of it that is why are out alone. Yes, others will say that true love is celebrated everyday but it still needs special attention, which is what we are doing today. No matter how old she becomes, she is my baby and will remain my babe for life.”
A civil servant, Grace Amodi, said: “Valentine is a global celebration. It cannot be overlooked despite the economic situation in the country. A little unwinding can help to reduce the depression and stress.
“As you can see, I am here with my family regardless of the situation. We will keep celebrating no matter the situation. I am still in the spirit of celebration because it was also my birthday. My husband organised a surprise party and gifted me a new phone.”
A private school teacher in Kubwa, Joy Adenu, had a different story to tell: “I don’t know whether to say that men are wicked or that I was carried away without seeing the red flag. I was thinking that this Val would make up of what I missed last year because it fell on Ash Wednesday. But this year’s Val left me with a story that I can hardly forget.
“My friends went out on Val’s day with their loved ones. I just decided to go and stay in his house. Probably wait till the next day, a Saturday, since I would not be going to work.
“I took the spear key he gave me, only to discover that people were inside. I knocked when he opened low and behold it was my best friend. Since that day I have been lost in thought. I don’t even know what to believe or say. They have been calling. But I have refused to listen to any of them because I am now confused and afraid of people.”
Mohammed Aliyu resides in Jabi: “This girl claiming to be on the same page with me for months now, collecting my little change and promising to spend the Val with me switched off her phone that day.
“The next day when I was able to reach her she told me it was a strange number. I knew she was with another person. This life, people are mean.”