‘Why we’re not travelling for Christmas…’

It’s end of year again and as expected most people will be making plans to travel. Some Nigerians tell us why they will or won’t be travelling this season

Juliet Hart, Undergraduate, PH

I planned to spend the festive season in Abuja, but I’m afraid and worried about the security situation in the country especially on ur highways. The highways are so bad that commuters move around with fear. There are killings, kidnapping happening every day on a number of roads in the country. We read every day how passengers are waylaid on the highways. The unlucky ones are attacked and killed.If I have my way, I would have travelled by air but it’s very expensive these days and very few people can afford it. So I am not traveling and moreover, I will be writing my final examination and I have to stay back and prepare for the exam.

Blessing Oforji, 36, Teacher, Enugu

My family and I  are not travelling for this year’s Christmas because of two factors. One the security situation in the country, especially on the highway where kidnappers and armed bandits attack passengers and motorists.

Our highways are becoming very dangerous these days, commuters ply the routes with fear. No day passes without an incident of robbery or kidnapping along these routes. So, it’s better we remain safe in our base than to risk our lives in the name of travelling for Christmas.

Another factor is the present difficult economic realities. Things are really tough, the cost of living is high. Goods and essential commodities are very expensive and out of the reach of many people.

After Christmas there’re other challenges one has to face, school fees and other bills. So where do you get money to go to the village for Christmas and still come back to tackle all these challenges.

Douglas Francis, 40, Journalist, Jos

Lack of sufficient funds is hindering my Christmas trip. I was earlier nursing  the feeling to travel for Christmas briefly, but the condition is no longer conducive. The prevailing economic situation in the country is getting too harsh and it is not stimulating interest in many people to travel in this season, including myself. Even if you go to motor parks you will observe that the large number of people that do troop into the parks to travel to different destinations have drastically reduced.

Again there is the issue of hike in transportation fare which is also discouraging, not to talk of other expenses that come with Christmas celebration when one travels out of his or her base. Besides, January is coming and the children will be returning to school. I would rather save ahead of that. Therefore, I have decided to stay put and celebrate my Christmas in Jos, rather than travelling to incure expenses. But hopefully, and when things get better, I should travel by next year Christmas or during any other break.

Mr Kufre Etuk, Journalist, Uyo

I am not travelling for the Christmas because there is nothing special about Christmas. Every other day, every other time is Christamas, so there is nothing special about it. Christmas is not special to me, I take it like every other day and every other time, so I am not going anywhere. But I will be taking my children out for Christmas”

Ms Aniekanabasi Friday, Teacher

I am not travelling for Christmas because there is no money to travel. Travelling during this period is more expenses because when I travel, I spend twice of what I would have kept at home if I am not travelling. But I will celebrate the Christmas in a small way.

Debrah Jalmet, Film maker, Jos

I have been in Jos from birth and having been born here I always spend my Christmas here. Mainly because both my immediate and extended families are in Jos. So, I hardly celebrate my Christmas outside Jos. Even though I travel a lot for work outside the state, as a filmmaker, but I always can’t wait to just get to get back to Jos, and wherever I go to I always return back to Jos for Christmas. So as my annual ritual, I will just celebrate my Christmas in Jos and have fun as usual with loved ones and friends. Besides, Jos weather is nice and cool with a lot of fascinating activities during the Christmas and New Year celebration. I, therefore, love it here. I trust all Jos peps will understand what I mean because many Jos people that I know don’t always travel out of Jos to celebrate Christmas outside. We just love our Jos!

Joy Andrew, Graduate, Kaduna

I will not be travelling for Christmas because it looks old fashion, I prefer to stay back and go on Christmas outings with my father rather than spend money going home for Chrismas. Besides, my family resides in Kaduna, so there is no need for my travelling. Also, it is risky because quite a number of people will be on the road causing a major risk for commuters. Again, this Christmas falls within the week, unlike when it falls on a weekend, not many people will travel because they have to be in the office on Friday except for people who planned their leave within Christmas to enable them enjoy the holiday.

Mr. James Simon, 38, Architect and Construction Engineer, Kaduna

I don’t travel for Christmas because of security reasons and drivers during this period are reckless and always in a hurry despite their knowledge of the bad roads. When passengers complain of their recklessness, it falls on deaf ears while they continue driving hurriedly as if they stole the car, even though he owns the car. I do not travel because of reckless drivers. I feel instead of risking my family’s life, it’s better I stay and wait for the season to be over.

Aneru Nana, 24, entrepreneur, Abuja

I am not travelling for Christmas not because I don’t want to but due to high criminal activities during this time of the year. During this period, thieves are everywhere and I am scared. Kidnapping too is on the increase and I don’t want to be a victim. Apart from these, things are generally expensive this time and why should I worry.