By Salisu Baso
An investigation carried out by independent journalist Salisu Baso has observed that about 60% of this year’s Christmas celebrations have been observed by the non-Christian community in Kano.
This year’s celebration has witnessed serious economic challenges, and the majority of Nigerians are managing to survive. Therefore, the Christian community has managed to conduct the occasion with the little earnings from their collective businesses, especially those at various markets in the state.
Investigations also learned that the delay in payment of government salaries to workers in the state has crippled the ceremonial activities, leading to low patronage in the markets.
The tradition of slaughtering goats by the celebrants has drastically dropped, and the presentation of gifts from well-meaning individuals house to house is also seeing a decline.
Visiting the Sabon Gari area, our source observed that the majority of the beer parlors in the evening hours were full of visitors, while New Road by Court Road, especially Ado Bayero Square, was occupied by a majority of youth celebrating the day.
When contacted, a traditional Igbo Chief, Amb. (Dr.) David N. Onwere, described this year’s celebration as manageable for Nigerians to celebrate the great events as a result of the critical economic conditions facing the nation. He said the majority of people in the state have not traveled to their respective areas due to the high cost of transport fees.
Chief Onwere then congratulated the entire Christian community in the country, particularly in Kano, and wished them a Happy New Year in advance.
