Economic Hardship Impacts Low-key Valentine Celebration In Osun

AS lovers around the world celebrated Valentine’s Day on Wednesday with a display of love and affection, the prevailing economic hardship in the country affected the celebration in Osun State.

OSUN DEFENDER visited bars, restaurants, hotels, and other fun places in different parts of the state, and observed that, unlike in previous years, lovers did not throng the relaxation and fun centres.

Some of those who spoke to the medium lamented the hike in the prices of commodities, stressing that celebrating Valentine’s Day this year is less important than finding what to eat with the pervasive hunger in the land.

They also noted that continuous hikes in prices of foodstuffs, commodities, and services in Nigeria today have prevented them from buying gifts for their partners and those who hold a special place in their lives.

Miss Adepoju Omolade, who lives in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo, said, unlike last year, her man could not take her out for the celebration of love due to economic hardship.

Omolade said: “We couldn’t celebrate like we used to. We had to celebrate in our house and exchange gratitude and love notes. Going out is now unreasonably expensive.”

In his opinion, Ayodele Kusibe, a resident of Ilesa, corroborated Omolade’s view, saying: “The abysmal state of the economy did not allow the celebration to be as rosy as expected. I only took my partner on a date, ate, and drank in our little way.”.

Valentine’s Day serves as an annual reminder to appreciate and celebrate the people in our lives through giving diverse thoughtful gifts, as an expression of love. 

Whether it is a romantic partner, a friend, or a family member, taking a moment to express affection contributes to the fabric of human connections. 

The economic challenges didn’t stop people from celebrating love, they just found ways to do it moderately.