By Olaleke ASHAFA
As Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ, fun seekers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday besieged the popular ‘MagicLand’ at the city gate to catch their fun.
At 3 p.m., fun seekers filled the amusement park to capacity to enjoy themselves with the over 15 equipment available.
It was observed that both Christians and Muslims trooped to the park to catch their fun for the Christmas break.
Fun seekers had to queue to gain entrance into the park and to take turns to mount facilities like the Bumper Ride, Bouncing Castle, Flying Eagle, Water Splash and others.
Some of them, who spoke said the Christmas celebration was “peaceful and fun all the way”.
Mr Benjamin Ugochukwu, a business man in Wuse Market came all the way from Kubwa said he was in the park with his wife and son to catch their fun.
“It is Christmas and it is calm and peaceful; and as you can see. We are all here to catch our fun; many people are here to celebrate.
“There is no fuel scarcity, People have come out, no traffic, no violence; it is good; if it can continue like into the New Year, it will be a sign of good things to come.
“I think FCT is safe and secure; the Charismas is peaceful and calm; we are having fun,” Ugochukwu said.
Another fun seeker, Mrs Regina Isaac who came to the park with her five children, corroborated Ugochukwu’s view.
Isaac said it was fun all the way in `MagicLand’.
“We are enjoying ourselves for the Christmas in the park, but we are also paying for it; I have spent about four thousand naira and the children are demanding for more fun.
“I have to satisfy them because it is celebration period; even though there is no money in the country, it is good to use the little one to make the children happy.
“Staying at home at this period is not the best. It is Jesus’ birthday and we need to be happy; that is why we are in the park to have fun and be happy,” Isaac said.
A grandmother, Mrs Olufunke Oluwale who came from Lagos, said that she came to the park to also catch her fun for the Christmas.
Oluwale in company of her daughter and grandchildren confessed that it was her second coming to MagicLand.
“I was here last Christmas and it was fun; I am here again this year and by God’s grace, I will be here next year to celebrate the Christmas with my grandchildren’’.
Sharwama seller and artists, who specialises in face painting, made brisk business in the park.
Malam Iliyasu Yusuf who sells Sharwama said patronage was high and encouraging.
According to Yusuf, the minimum cost of a wrap of Sharwama is between N1,000 and N1,200
“Patronage is high; you can see how people are coming to place orders for Sharmwama; I am enjoying this Christmas celebration. I thank Allah for everything.’’
Mr Emeka Ononiwu of Mekazini Creations Unlimited, who deals in face painting, also said patronage was high but expressed optimism of higher patronage.
“I am hoping to paint at least a thousand faces today; we do the Face Patch for N500, Face Mask goes for N2,000 and Eye Patch for one eye alone goes for N1,000.
“This is Christmas season and the town is calm; no traffic jam, no crisis and we are hoping for the best,” he said.
The Manager of the park, Mr Paul Okoh, said patronage was high and assured fun seekers of safety and security in the park.
“Our equipments are in good condition and security personnel both in uniform and plain clothes are all around to ensure that fun seekers and their personal belongings are safe.
“We hope to continue to give Abuja fun seekers the best in the FCT,” he said.
