27th May, 2017
Operators of parks and recreational centres in Abuja on Saturday recorded low patronage as children celebrate this year’s Children’s Day nationwide.
The Millennium Park and Magicland were scanty with few parents and children to celebrate their day.
However, security presence, including police, NSCDC and private security officers were at strategic locations within the parks to safeguard lives and properties.
Some parents and vendors attributed the low turn out to the commencement of the Ramadan fast by Muslims on May 27.
Other residents and operators attributed it to the current economic recession bedeviling the nation and non-payment of salaries.
Mrs Linda Ikezuka, a mother of three, who visited the park with her children, noted the low turnout of fun seekers, compared to previous years.
“It is so sad that the turnout is very poor compared to the past years, where children were celebrated and there was massive turn-out.
“However, Muslims worldwide started their Ramadan fast today, which probably I think contributed to the low turn-out as well,’’ she said.
Mr Isaac Ayodele, a civil servant, attributed the low attendance at the park to the effects of economic recession.
“The fact is that most people don’t have money to carry their children out for fun because of the biting effect of the recession coupled with the prices of commodities that had skyrocketed.’’
Ayodele appealed to the government to work towards improving the nation’s economy to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
Similarly, Mr Samuel Chukwuma, another civil servant, attributed the poor turn-out to non-payment of salary.
“Most civil servants have not been paid their salaries and it is only few workers that have money at the end of the month before the payment of salaries.’’
He therefore appealed to government to pay salaries as at when due to reduce economic hardship on the people.
However, Mrs Halima Danladi, a legal practitioner, called for the full implementation of the Child Rights Act to protect children from acts of violence and abuse.
“There is a need for the full implementation of the Child Rights Act to protect the rights of children, which will also go a long way to reduce the rates of child abuse and molestation.’’
Also, Malam Umar Isiaka, an ice cream seller, lamented the low turnout at the parks, which he said had affected his business.
“I have not been able to sell much since I arrived because of the low turn-out of people, as well as the commencement of the Ramadan fast,’’ he said.