On this Valentine’s Day, the mood in Abuja is mixed, with many residents questioning the significance of the holiday against the backdrop of economic hardships. The removal of the fuel subsidy, soaring living costs, and recent hikes in telecommunications tariffs have left many feeling financially strained. Sultan Rabiu of Africa Health Report (AHR) spoke to several residents to gauge their sentiments on this increasingly commercialized day of love.
Emmanuel, an 18-year-old student at Yakubu Gowon University, expressed his frustration candidly. “Valentine’s Day? I swear, it’s just a waste of money, pure waste,” he lamented. “I don’t have enough to get by, let alone think about Valentine’s. When you have money, then you can consider it. But right now, my mind’s drowning in problems.”
For Emmanuel, the pressures of school and financial instability overshadow any thoughts of romance. “I just want to go home and sleep properly. If there’s a class, fine, I’ll show up. Then I’ll head straight back home. No plans, no time for all that Valentine nonsense.”
Similarly, 21-year-old Abilu from Gwagwalada echoed these sentiments. “I don’t have any plans ooo. It’s someone who has money that’ll plan for it,” he chuckled, yet his laughter masked a deeper reality. “Even if I had the money, what would I use Valentine for? These hikes in telecommunications tariffs are just ridiculous. Everything feels like it’s going up, and we’re struggling to keep up.”
MD, a resident of Apo, took a more cynical view of the holiday. “I just see it as one of those holidays that people come out to celebrate and say they’re celebrating love. For me, it doesn’t make sense. I don’t need one day to show love.” He added, “The high cost of living, especially with fuel prices and telecommunications hikes, makes it hard to think about Valentine’s Day. It’s just another day where people deceive themselves.”
Joshua, a graduate living in Lugbe, reflected on how the economic climate has altered perceptions of holidays like Valentine’s Day. “They say it’s a season of love, but it’s not just for couples. With everything that’s happening – inflation, rising fuel prices – I don’t see how people can still afford to make Valentine’s Day such a big deal.”
Fatima Zahra, a student in Iddo, offered a more nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, she emphasized its potential to celebrate love in all its forms. “Valentine is often seen as a commodified version of love, with excessive gifts and spending. But for me, it’s a day to appreciate the people who make our lives better – whether it’s a romantic partner, family, friends, or even ourselves.” Yet, she recognized that financial burdens make such celebrations feel like a luxury many cannot afford.
David, a 17-year-old undergraduate from Garki, voiced a growing disillusionment with the holiday. “I’m single, I don’t have plans for Valentine. Some people think it’s just for couples, others think it’s for those with money. Right now, with the economic hardship we’re facing, I just don’t think it’s a priority for many.”
The economic challenges facing Nigerians are palpable. From the impact of fuel subsidy removal to the depreciation of the naira and rising costs of basic goods, many Abuja residents view Valentine’s Day as a luxury they cannot afford. The burden of school fees, transportation hikes, and the increasing cost of staying connected through telecommunications further complicate the situation.
For many, it’s not that they don’t appreciate the idea of love; rather, the current economic conditions render such celebrations out of reach. As Abuja braces for Valentine’s Day, the voices of its residents reveal a stark reality: love, while still cherished, is often overshadowed by the pressing concerns of survival.
On February 14, as messages of affection are exchanged worldwide, many in Abuja will be reminded that, for them, love must be expressed in more practical, everyday ways amidst their struggles.
