The scourge of fuel scarcity and high cost of products and services sweeping through the country may have hit hard at Lagosians as a cross section of them spoken to by our reporters confessed that this was the worst Easter they have celebrated in years.
Signs of hard times were noticed at usually bubbling fun-places all of which wore a different look this time. At the usually fun-filled Elegushi Beach, the huge crowd of fun-seekers that usually grace the place was absent on Easter Sunday.
“Not much is happening here this year as against the trend in the previous years”, said Tunde, a pub attendant at the beach.
At Waterparks in Ikeja, the story was the same: low turnout of fun-seekers and families.
A motorist, Mr. Abraham Obiagwu, on a fuel queue on Airport road in Lagos summed up their frustration thus: “This is our worst Easter in years, can you imagine people on Easter Day on a long queue for petrol and when they get home there is no light? Oh, come on, somebody is joking with the destiny of millions of Nigerians. It is a bad dream, it’s a sad story”.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Christians to show the spirit of unity, love and peace.
Ambode, in his Easter message said values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the harmony in the state.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said, “remembering that foundation is particularly meaningful this Easter because our nation is facing challenges that we can overcome if we choose to, by exercising collective tolerance and being ready to make sacrifices.
“Therefore, we must see this period as a time that affords us to think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness.”
Ambode reaffirmed his commitment towards making life more comfortable for Lagosians, saying the state government will intensify efforts on road projects, youth empowerment, improved and accessible health care services and increased public safety and security.
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun in his Easter message urged Christians and all Nigerians to learn from Jesus and His virtues.
Amosun also advised Nigerians to always provide selfless service to humanity just as Christ demonstrated through his death and resurrection.
He said, “When we show love and offer selfless service just as Christ did, then our nation and indeed the world we live in will be a better place for all of us.”
Minister of Solid Minerals development, Kayode Fayemi, called on Nigerians to make ample use of the opportunity of the season for sober reflection.
“The teaching on being our brother’s keeper is even more apt now. It can start with a conscious effort at living peaceably with one another, regardless of religious views. Nigeria needs a peaceful environment for development to thrive. And when we pray for peace, we should be prepared to work for peace and live peacefully. And that can start now,” Fayemi said.
