ABUJA, JULY 6, 2016 – Parks and other amusement centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday witnessed low patronage by revellers.A NAN correspondent who went round the parks, observed that there were only a handful of fun seekers at the popular Magic Land, Millennium Park, Silverbird Galleria and other similar places.
Guides, vendors and visitors alike attributed the low turnout to the economic realities in the country.
Magic Land (formerly Wonderland), which normally witnessed a large turnout of tourists during festive periods, had few visitors.
A ticketing officer at the park who spoke to NAN on the condition of anonymity, said that the patronage was the least witnessed in recent times.
“I have sold only a few tickets today and that is so unusual because during festive periods like this, I usually finish every ticket available.
“I think it is because everyone is complaining there is no money.
“Besides, we have also just increased our ticket rates,” he said.
Also, vendors at the Silverbird Galleria who spoke to NAN, said that the turnover during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration was relatively low.
Mrs Agnes Marcus who sells ice-cream and snacks said: “During the Sallah last year, I sold everything I brought; however, this year is a different story all together.
“I still believe that people must eat well at home before coming out to seek fun, but the current economic situation in the country is really affecting everything.”
However, parents and guardians who came with their wards, said they had to come in spite of the current harsh economic realities because their children yearned for it.
Mrs Amina Mohammed, who visited Magic Land, said that she had to come out with her children because such celebrations usually come once in a while and there was the need to catch fun.
“You know children do not want to hear anything like no money, so you have to take them out.
“The truth is that there is no money anywhere, and that has also affected this year’s Sallah celebration,” she said.
