Niger State has celebrated the first Sallah in during economic recession. It was not funny, however, as many parents abandoned their home in preference to clubbing to avoid financial pressure and reckless spending during the two-day. festive period
Most parents could not afford to slaughter the traditional ram to celebrate the 2016 eid-el-kabir.
Some parents had in an interview lamented the difficulties in making ends meet, coupled with the necessities in fending for their immediate and extended families hence many of them resorted to abandoning their homes for recreation centres to keep away from visitors.
Mohammed Imam, who said he has two wives and six children told our correspondent that it has not been easy fending for his children, two wives and two other dependants due to the economic hardship.
Imam, a civil servant, said that he decided to take refuge in one of the recreation spots along David Mark road, Minna to avoid incurring extra budgetary expenses from visitors who might visit him in the spirit of the eid-el-kabir.
Also in Kontagora, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello spoke after the 2 Raka’at prayers. He called on Nigerlites especially the youths, to engage in meaningful venture that would add value to their lives and the society at large and to shun all negative vices that could destroy their future.
Meanwhile, the eid-el-kabir celebration in parts of Niger State was generally peaceful as Muslims defied the late morning rains to join other faithful for the 2 Rakat prayers at the Minna central mosque led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Alhaji Isa Fari.
The Murtala Amusement Park was however in its usual beehive of activities as children of the privileged still visited the park located along Bosso road to catch fun after the morning heavy downpour.
It was however sad news for Lapai council chairman as workers almost lynched his inability to pay their salaries. The workers alleged that the chairman deceived them to meet the Director of Personnel only to be informed that there was no money.
Though Governor, Sani Bello, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, had directed that N1.4 billion be released as a bailout. But our correspondent gathered that the money could not be paid before close of work Friday.