Cinemas, parks and other recreational centres in Abuja hosted large numbers of funseekers in celebration of the 2026 Valentine’s Day, despite perceived economic challenges.

Revellers from different parts of the FCT were seen in their numbers at Genesis Cinemas and the Silverbird Cinemas.

Some of the movies on screen for revellers include “Behind the Scenes,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Friends Indeed,” and “Love and New Notes,” amongst others.

Other fun-seekers trooped to the Jabi Lake Mall, Central Park, and other popular restaurants in the metropolis.

Valentine’s Day, observed globally on February 14, traditionally celebrates romantic love, friendship and family bonds, and it is characterised by the exchange of gifts, cards and goodwill messages.

While many Nigerians presumed that the high cost of living would prompt FCT residents to opt for more cost-effective ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, such as special dinners at home.

However, some of the fun-seekers who spoke with journalists said they felt bored staying at home, especially on special days that come once a year.

An FCT resident, who introduced himself as Mr KC, said, “We all know that Valentine’s Day is special, and  it comes once a year, so we have to celebrate it no matter what.”

Dave Johnson, who came to see a movie with his fiancée, said, “It is a day where you spend crucial time with your partner.

“I wanted to give my baby special treatment today. I had to bring her here to watch the movie of her choice.”

Amos Luka, who came to the Jabi Lake Mall with his family, said it was a weekend when they needed a relaxed environment from home.

“I think the fact that this Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday gave a lot of people the opportunity to go out,” he said.

The large influx of fun-seekers also encouraged vendors and photographers to fill the recreational centres for business.

An ice cream vendor, who declined to give his name, said patronage on the day was unusually high, unlike previous Valentine’s Days in the FCT.

Earlier, some residents who spoke with journalists in separate interviews said Valentine’s Day was just another day, and should not be used to mark ‘seasonal love.”

According to them, love is meant to be celebrated every day, as humans are expected to love their neighbours, whether or not they have romantic affiliations.

Victoria  Chukwu said, “It should not just be celebrated among just partners because if it’s just among partners, other people who do not have partners will be left out.

“I think it should be a time to show love to our neighbours, especially the vulnerable persons.”

Dooshima Mantah said, “Honestly, from my viewpoint, Valentine’s Day has always been of no significance at all.

“I am not condemning the fact that others might find it so interesting, but we’re all entitled to how we see things.”

A nurse, Iweka Sharon, said, “I see Valentine as just every other day: it’s a day to show love to my family, my friends.

“Maybe because I don’t have a partner, so for me, Val is just another day, it’s not really special to me.”

(NAN)