Leisure centres in Ibadan, including the popular Agodi Gardens and Shoprite, were beehive of activities as many fun seekers thronged the venues in celebration of Christmas on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there were crowd at many of the fun spots in Ibadan metropolis.
At the Agodi Gardens, there was a large number of people at the entrance in spite of the N500 entrance fee.
Also at Shoprite, many parents brought a good number of their children in spite of the N300, N500 amount paid by the children to access the playing ground.
A father, Victor Eze, who brought six children, said he went the extra mile to ensure that his children celebrated the season.
Eze said: “It is not easy at all but we did our best to make sure that the children were happy to an extent.
“Things are really hard this year compared to other years and that is because the economy is not favourable.
“The costs of virtually all food items in the market were high.
“The government should please do all it can to improve our economy to help us.”
Also speaking, a business woman, Shola Adigun, who brought three children and Christmas accessories to sell as well, said this year’s Christmas was not as interesting as the other years.
Adigun said: “I managed to bring my children so that they can at least have fun with others because I don’t have a choice.
“Truly, this Christmas is not filled with fun as before because of financial issues.
“I had to reduce the prices of the Christmas accessories just to lure people to buy.
“The good thing is that we are alive and have to do all we can to join others and celebrate.”
Also, Rachael Adebeku, who brought two kids, thanked God for the gift of life.
Adebeku said: “We have more fun this year than last year in spite of the hard economy. The period gave us time at least to be with our family and friends; so have to appreciate God.
“We really pray that the government improves the economy because if the economy is improved we will enjoy ourselves more.”
One of the operators at the children’s RidesRus playground, Shoprite, Lizzy Abiona, said operators made brisk business.
Abiona said: “We really do wish and pray for such festive periods because we always have a large number of people who patronise us.
“There is no dull moment this period at all.
“As you can see, people are really trooping in and will continue to come even after Christmas day.
“With the patronage, we are sure of receiving salary as the end of the month.”
NAN reports that many fun seekers were also sighted at Bubbleplus, RingiiRingii as well as other recreation centres in Ibadan metropolis.