By Princess Kesiena
FCT residents are bemoaning the declining rate in the culture of gift giving and receiving especially during celebrations.
The residents told PeopleReporters that unlike previous years, they did not received nor give out any gift because of the current economic challenges in the country.
Miss Ufuoma Okoro a resident of the Federal Capital City said “I think it is because of the present administration, lack of money, no money in circulation adding that the economy is very bad.
According to her, “Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with loved ones, but the culture seemed to have long be forgotten as many families are struggling due to hard times”.
Mr Ibem on his part said Nigerians in the past are known for sharing with their neighbours during the yuletide, but reverse is the case.
He said “No, I didn’t receive any gift though it is a nice thing to share gifts to family and friends, I am an orphans but I believe the poor state of the nation is why 2018 was this dry”.
Also speaking, Mr Cy Cyprian said 2018 Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations did not come with the usual excitement, stressing that this may be due to current economic challenges and general lack of spirit as well as lack of appreciation.
According to him, “I think we Nigerians are not that good in terms of giving, may be the sense of our gratitude is very low. Many of us don’t know how important it is to say thank you when a gift is given to them, they will see it as if it’s their right, making the giver feel awkward which might cause him/her not to want to give next time. I think our gratitude level is very low In my own opinion”.
Another resident, Miss Grace Chisom blamed the situation on the bad economic policies of the present administration, adding this lead to the low key Christmas celebration by many families.
She said “Nigerians are not really known for giving. We would rather receive than give. In the previous years it was better but this year was worst off. Also I spend last Christmas in Abuja, compared to this year, honestly last year was better”.