Fun seekers, on Saturday, trooped out in large numbers to celebrate this year’s Christmas at some fun centres across Ibadan metropolis.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who moved round the city, observed a high influx of children and adults having fun in places like Agodi Gardens and Shoprite at both Ring Road and Dugbe.
The children were seen taking turns on the rides as well as having their faces painted by some experts on ground.
One of the fun seekers, Mrs Omobola Adebayo, told the NAN that Christmas Day was all about having fun and receiving gifts.
“So many things are going on around the world, but it is incumbent on us as parents to ensure that we make our children happy at all times.
“We all know COVID-19 is still very much around and that’s why my children are wearing their facemasks, as we cannot deprive them of the fun associated with festive seasons like this.
“This is a one-off celebration and it must be fully utilised because our children are very sensitive and they don’t forget things easily,” she said.
Also, a nine-year-old Kimberly Adebayo said she had been thought that Jesus Christ died for the salvation of the world, hence the celebration of Christmas every year.
“If Jesus Christ had not died for us, we won’t be here today having fun.
“I’m here having fun and making new friends. I also got gifts from my parents and I love them. Every child deserves gifts at this period,” she said.
For Mrs Simisola Omotosho, she came from Abuja to celebrate the festive season with her family in Ibadan.
She described Christmas as a period to celebrate with family, friends and loved ones.
“We all deserve to be happy and loved. This is a period to show love to fellow humans.
“It’s my tradition every year to come down to Ibadan with my husband and children to celebrate with our family. We all need to show love to one another,” Omotosho said.
Mrs Omolola Bamidele said that her children usually felt excited when they were taken out to have fun, adding that their happiness was her priority.
“My children usually look forward to this kind of outing, as the memory lingers in them for a long time.
“They don’t forget easily when they go to new places and meet new people. This basically gives me joy that my children are happy. This period is about being happy because Jesus Christ has paid the price for our salvation,” she said.
Bamidele appealed to parents to always allow their children to explore, adding: “they should be allowed to go out and interact with their other colleagues, aside their classmates.”
