Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Easter: Leisure Spot Owners Decry Low Patronage
Some leisure spot owners in Abuja on Monday decried low patronage during the Easter festivities.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) they blamed the low patronage on economic hardship triggered by inflation, insecurity and cash crunch.
According to Istifanus Nanu, the Manager, Taminus Garden, Asokoro, sales have significantly decreased compared to 2022.
“During the Easter period in 2022, we had more sales.
“This may be because there was cash available but this time around we are recording low patronage.
“I think the people are economising the cash they have,’’ Nanu said
Julius Eke, the Chief Executive Officer of Islands Bar and Lounge at Guzape, said that he observed a decrease in the number of customers.
“Customers are no longer coming as before and this did not just start with the Easter, we started observing the decline since the currency redesign was introduced,’’ Eke said.
On his part, Mr Fidelis Ehizoje, owner of a beer parlour in Karu, said that weekends when he usually made around 80 per cent in sales had seen a dramatic decrease to 60 per cent.
“The increase in the price of drinks and other things we sell here is not just the problem; the major problem we are facing is the price of diesel, fuel, and electricity bills ,” Ehizoje said.
“The increase in price in beers, wine, catfish and other things can be adjusted to the customer but the prices of diesel and fuel are taken from the company’s account which can ruin the business.
“More so, we are experiencing challenges with electronic transactions whereby some people come and buy things but cannot make electronic payment successfully.
“I want to urge the authorities to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to enable seamless electronic money transfer.
“This is important because it will help our business. Many customers lament lack of cash and this is affecting our sales drastically,’’ Ehizoje said.
Some customers blamed their irregular visit to leisure spots on inflation.
Mr Emeka Anosike, who said that he used to be a regular customer to leisure spots, expressed concern over the increasing cost of things.
He said “I like to visit the gardens to watch football particularly on weekends but the high cost of things is scaring me away nowadays.
“Previously, my brand of beer was N500 but now it is N700.
“I used to buy an average sized roasted fish for N2, 000, but the price has jacked up to N2, 500 and in some cases N2, 800.
“If the trend continues, the chances of visiting leisure spots would reduce,’’ Anosike said.
Another customer, Mr Sampson Salewa, said that in spite of the challenges, insecurity was a major factor that discouraged him from going to leisure spots.
“But with the improved security situation, I am comfortable going to leisure spots to unwind particularly during festive periods.
“You may have heard people saying a lot about the importance of tourism in many regards.
“When one elaborates on its economic effects, I am more interested in its impact on my life,’’ Salewa said.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s headline inflation rate rose to 21.91 per cent in February 2023 compared to 21.82 in January, indicating an increase of 0.09 per cent.
The price of diesel also increased from about N600 per litre in 2022 to over N800 in some parts of Nigeria, putting unprecedented stress on the economy and threatening businesses in the country.
The report comes as Nigerians begin to witness relief after two months of naira scarcity occasioned by the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
BBNaija Season 11: Keivo Becomes Second Housemate to be Disqualified
Keivo has become the second Big Brother Naija housemate to be disqualified from Season 11.
This follows his physical altercation with fellow housemate, Tram.
The fight broke out after Tram accused Keivo of taking one of his shirts.
Keivo did not take the allegation of theft lightly, and the situation eventually became violent.
It took the intervention of other housemates to calm both men down.
On Tuesday, Biggie sent ninjas to escort Keivo out of the house through the storeroom.
Biggie eventually gathered the remaining contestants and confirmed Keivo’s disqualification.
Nomy was the first housemate to be disqualified due to repeated defiance and refusal to wear an assigned punishment outfit.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Mofe-Damijo Envisions Bright Future for Nigeria at 66
Veteran actor and public speaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo, has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the country as a work in progress, on its 66th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1.
Mofe-Damijo said this while speaking on Nigeria’s journey at 66 at the Pivot Nigeria conference in Lagos.
He said although Nigeria had shortcomings, its relatively young age as a nation meant citizens should remain patient while continuing to contribute to its development.
“A bright one. We are a country, we’re a work in progress, and we must continue just doing the work,” he said.
According to him, building a civilisation takes time, adding that Nigeria at 66 remained young compared with many countries regarded as leading nations today.
He, however, stressed that the country’s age should not be an excuse for its shortcomings.
Mofe-Damijo urged Nigerians to remain committed to building the country and contributing positively to its growth.
He said every Nigerian was an ambassador of the country, noting that individual conduct could influence Nigeria’s reputation locally and internationally.
The actor urged citizens to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, punctuality and integrity in their daily activities.
He said Nigerians should view representing the country as a responsibility rather than a burden.
Mofe-Damijo added that Nigeria’s reputation would be strengthened when citizens consistently demonstrated excellence and maintained positive values wherever they found themselves. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
My Wife Paid $20k for Her Surgery Herself, Peller Fires Back at Carter Efe
Nigerian content creator and streamer, Peller, has fired back at Carter Efe after the streamer compared their relationships while praising his new girlfriend, Jasmine.
Carter had described Jasmine as exceptionally beautiful and made derogatory remarks about Peller’s wife, Jarvis, while comparing their relationships in a video circulating on social media.
Reacting to the remarks, Peller defended Jarvis and said he has no problem spending money on his wife because he loves and appreciates her.
Peller said Jarvis is financially independent and does not rely on him for her personal needs, adding that she can afford major expenses herself.
“Mumu guy, if you want to let your girlfriend or your wife know how beautiful they are, you can appreciate their beauty with a house or a car,” Peller said.
He also claimed that Jarvis recently paid for her surgery herself, saying the bill was about $20,000.
“My wife have her money and she still fine join. I appreciate her with a car,” he added.
Peller further criticised Carter for allegedly discouraging his partners from working while relying on the money he makes from Twitch.
He said his decision to spend money on Jarvis was not about comparing her with anyone but about showing how much he loves his wife.
“That one na less wetin I go use appreciate her next. We don’t know, it might be a [car], I Love my woman not by comparing her with your girlfriend or ex wey no get talent to make there own big money,” Peller said.
He ended by telling Carter to respect Jarvis, whom he described as “the best”.


