Easter: FCT residents visit recreational centres

Enthusiasts in the FCT on Sunday trooped to football pitches and some recreational centres to catch fun during Easter holidays.

Easter is a festival and holiday celebrated worldwide by Christian faithful to mark the end of the Lenten season and resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

A cross-section of the enthusiasts in Abuja said that the two-day public holiday declared by the government had enabled them to perform their religious rites, visitation and relaxation.

Mr Olu Mattew, a football fan said he celebrated most of the break at football and recreational centres because of the English Premier League currently going on.

“Apart from performing my religious obligation, I spent virtually all the time watching football at viewing centres because we do not have light and it is more interesting watching with other fans”

Similarly, Mr Abraham Albarka, another fan said the English Premier League was timely.

“The English Premier League came at the right time because it is a long weekend and we football lovers would get to relax and watch the different matches.’’

Meanwhile, the manager of a football viewing centre in Guzape attributes the high patronage to the English Premier League, long Easter break and power outage in some areas.

“We sold all our tickets, even some fans stood throughout the game because some areas like Kpaduma 1, 2 and 3, as well as some parts of Guzape had no light.

Meanwhile, Mrs Shade Smart, the manager of a restaurant in Asokoro attributed the increased patronage to the Easter celebration.

“Actually we were not expecting high patronage because people minimize their spending during Easter and do not usually plan to spend like they do during Christmas and other festivities.

“But so far customers have been coming and we expect more at night because people prefer to come relax eat and drink in the evening.”

Mr Anthony Chuks, the manager of Chifoods and drinks said the patronage was due to the heat and football match going on.

Chuks said that most people knew his restaurant as a place they could always come to relax, enjoy cold drinks and watch football without extra charges, especially during festive season.

Meanwhile, Mr Donald Nduka said he spent the Easter with members of his Church and took some items to orphanage homes and widows.

“It is not all about having fun, we should remember that the reason for the season is the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us by giving his life for us to be redeemed.

“The only way we can give back is to believe, trust, obey his command, particularly giving to the needy that was why we donated to those in need,” he said.