Abuja eateries, restaurants get set for Valentine`s Day

They made this known in separate interviews on Friday, saying that the day was specially for lovers to appreciate each other.

Tobechukwu Kanu, the Manager of Tobel Resort in Lugbe, FCT, said arrangements had reached top gear by the resort to celebrate the day in a memorable way.

He said the resort had put lots of things in place for customers to have fun filled
day.

He added that “we have installed more security gadgets and plan to increase the number of security guards just for valentine celebration.

“We understand the security situation in the country and it hinders people from going to some places they will love to go; that is why security is our priority.

“We are having an in-house party, a comedy nite tagged “Laugh for Love Sake’’ which will be graced by some Abuja-based comedians.

“It would be fun seeing my customers and family happy and satisfied with my services on that day,’’ Kanu said.

He said the resort had stocked enough food items and drinks to host customers.

Mr Aniekan Otong, a restaurant operator, said the St. Valentine`s Day was a day he used to look forward to because it was a business-filled day for him.

He said “the month of February is always a memorable month for me and my business.

“It is a month to show love, exchange pleasantries and go out on either lunch or dinner dates, which makes my business boom.

“I have plans to add some special delicacies to our normal menu that will add flavor to the valentine day celebration.

“We have cleaned up our surroundings, changed our plates and on Feb.14, the restaurant would wear a new look that would give it an aura of love.’’

Mr Theophilus Ijede, the Manager of Solo Bar in Wuse 2, Abuja, said he expected the day to be good for him and his customers.

“I can’t wait for the day to come; it is just four days away but because I am highly expectant, it is like a long wait.

“I and my customers are going to have a fabulous valentine day celebration. I have stocked my bar with wine and spirit, to my customer’s class and taste.

“I have also made arrangements for security around my vicinity because it is going to be a long day.’’

St. Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of St. Valentine is a celebration observed on Feb. 14 each year.

Started as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus, it is celebrated in many countries around the world and many martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to Feb. 14.

A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome stated that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire.

According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius.

An embellishment to this story noted that before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a letter to Asterius, signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.

Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church.

The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the high middle ages when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards.