It was not all gloomy Christmas celebrations, as funseekers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, defied economic hardship and stampede fear to throng parks where they marked this year’s Christmas.

DAILY POST correspondent, who went round major recreational centres in Abuja on Wednesday, observed that funseekers thronged the parks in their numbers.

This was the case in popular Millennium, Jabi parks, Magic Land, Jabi Lake Mall, and other recreational centres in the nation’s capital.

“We had no choice. Outside being a feast, this is a holiday, we have to cool off despite the economic hardship, “an Abuja resident, Mabel Okereke, told DAILY POST in Jabi Park.

For Mr. Mohammed Bawa, “It’s a holiday despite the situation the country faces.”

“Yes, it is hard for most people in Nigeria, coupled with the recent stampede incidents in Abuja, Okija, and Ibadan, “he said.

Reacting, the Chief Executive Officer of SD & D Capital Management, Gbolade Idakolo, said the recreational and entertainment industry can help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu achieve his $1 trillion economy if carefully harnessed.

“It is not unexpected. The sector is a billion-dollar industry. Funseekers go the extra mile to satisfy their desires,” he stated.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST recalls that at least 70 persons, including children, died in food stampedes in Abuja, Okija, Anambra, and Ibadan, Oyo State, days before Christmas.

The unfortunate incidents drew outrage among Nigerians, with the organisers and government authorities receiving the blame.

This comes as Nigerians are faced with the impact of high headline and food inflation rates, which stood at 34.60 percent and 39.93 percent, respectively, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ November inflation rate.

Christmas: Funseekers defy hardship, stampede fear to mark celebrations