Fun seekers celebrating the Easter flooded parks, beaches and other event centres in Lagos in a bid to have some pleasure even amid the tough times experienced in the country occasioned by economic hardship.
President Bola Tinubu upon his assumption of office on May 29, 2023, scrapped fuel subsidy, which the Federal Government noted had drained the country’s revenue.
The fuel subsidy removal has however led to a significant increase in fuel prices and impacted transportation costs and overall household expenses with prices of food, building materials, and other items skyrocketing.
The fallen value of the naira against the dollar also compounded the woes in the economy, forcing the prices of commodities and services to go up.
The PUNCH reported on Monday that in their various Easter messages, governors, senators, and other prominent individuals urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the economic challenges in the country.
They expressed confidence that economic reforms being implemented by President Tinubu would soon end hardship in the country.
But amid the hardship, fun seekers from different parts of the country on Monday thronged the Suntan Beach in Badagry, Lagos State to celebrate Easter.
During festive seasons, Lagos beaches such as Landmark Beach, La Campagne Tropicana, Tarkwa Bay, Barracuda Beach and many more are centres of attraction for fun seekers.
Some of the revellers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria at Suntan Beach, shared their experiences and their thoughts on the Easter celebration and the economy of the country.
A resident of Agbara in Ogun State, Joseph Oliver, said the beach visit was a yearly event for him and his family.
“Though we are experiencing economic hardship presently, I had to manage to save a little that I would use to celebrate the Easter holiday with my family.
“Despite the hardship, we still have to thank God for his protection over us and bring wives and children here to see nature at its best.
“We need to support the government of President Bola Tinubu in its renewed hope so that things will return to normalcy in the country,” he said.
Christiana Adeleke, who came in from Igando in Lagos, said she was always excited to come and celebrate the Easter holiday with her three children at the beach.
“Since I separated from my husband in 2019, I have made it a duty to come down to Suntan Beach to celebrate with my children because if there is life there is hope.
“However, I didn’t believe I would make it this year until God showed His mercy two days ago when a cheerful giver sent money to my account to celebrate with my children.
“The economic hardship is really affecting everyone, but I believe that God will use our President to change things in the country,” she said.
Adeleke commended the Federal Government on the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, noting that they had a smooth ride from FESTAC Town to the Badagry roundabout.
Other fun seekers were also seen at Oniru Beach and Landmark Beach, among other places as they noted the Easter holiday was one of the days they could have a nice time with their loved ones, family and friends.
A fun seeker, Ewatomi Mary, said she preferred Oniru Beach due to her proximity to the place.
“Apart from the cost reason, Oniru Beach is my favourite because I frequent the route, so I easily went there today(Monday) with my sisters. Tomorrow (today) we’re back to work,” Mary said.