By Meletus EZE
Some fun seekers in Abuja on Tuesday said they opted for indoor- Eid-el Kabir celebrations with their families and friends because of the rains which disrupted several outdoor activities.
TBI Africa report that some recreational parks, which were usually filled up with funseekers during holidays, recorded low turnouts.
At Millennium Park Maitama, respondents noted that they had to wait for the rain to subside before coming out to have picnics with their families.
Sani Abbah, a doctor who was at the park with his wife and three children said that he had hoped to take his family out earlier but was delayed by the rain.
He said, “At least we are out now and I suspect that the rain would stop people from turning out to have fun with their families.
“People really wanted to come out because of the joy that comes with celebrating the Sallah holidays outdoors with family,” Abbah said.
Similarly, scanty funseekers at Jabi Waterfront, Jabi were seen taking horseback rides and boat cruises despite the impending rain.
Bilikisu Kolawole, a pastry maker who visited with her two daughters said that she only agreed to brace the rain because her children insisted on horse riding for the holiday.
“You can see that the rain has really disrupted the celebrations. Once I notice that the clouds are darker, I will take them home. At least, they have done their horse riding,” she said.
Meanwhile, food vendors at the parks said sales had been very poor, although they expected it to pick up as the day progressed.
Ngozi Ayanwu, who sold snacks and drinks at Millennium Park noted that the low turnout badly affected her sales despite her high expectations.
“I know that it is rainy season but nobody expected that the rain will disturb this much. We hope now that it has stopped, more people will come out so we can make sales,” Anyanwu said.
Also, Isah Hafeez, who sold roasted meat (Suya) at Jabi Waterfront, expressed optimism that sales would pick up despite the low turnouts of fun seekers.
However, some respondents noted that celebrations would hopefully pick up on Wednesday as more people would want to take visiting family members around the city.
Femi Akintunde, a graphics designer said some people preferred to share food and drinks with their neighbours on Tuesday with hopes of having outdoor celebrations on Wednesday.
He said, “The rain has slowed down celebrations today but more people would turn out tomorrow, even if it rains.
“My family and I decided to stay home and share food with our neighbors and friends today but we will surely visit parks and fun places tomorrow,” Akintunde said.
