Accompanying the uniqueness of Christmas is the change in the weather condition. This occurs every year, beginning from the first day of December.
Christmas, a season in which Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah, is also a period of reunion among families, friends and loved ones.
It is a period to show care and affection to others through the presentation of gifts, food items and several other items.
Despite the atmosphere of joy generated during the period of Christmas, it also brings along some challenges. In Nigeria, when Christmas comes, inflation occurs.
There is increase in the prices of goods and services, all in the name of the celebration.
Transport workers increase transport fares, market women inflate the prices of goods; petrol stations join in the race as some of their workers demand their own share of Christmas goodies before attended to customers.
It would suffice to say that a period which is supposed to be filled with celebrations has been redefined to be synonymous with inflation.
Aside the issue of inflation, there is an alarming increase in rate of accidents during the festive period. Another is the issue of frequent armed robbery operations on highways and various locations during the festive period coupled with cases of kidnapping and activities of ritualism.
The police are not left out of the picture as they are glad to increase extortion and illegal arrests.
Who would I seek help from on these issues? The government, the police, transport workers, market women or the unknown men of the underworld?
I am appealing to citizens to make Christmas the period of celebrations which it is meant to be. Government and security agents should also not fail in their duty of protecting the citizens and ensuring a country where peace will reign.
Oduola Kayode
oduolakaysam@gmail.com.
and then