The Enugu metropolis is wearing a new look with beautiful and colourful Christmas decorations displayed at various locations, premises of corporate organisations, schools, and shopping malls as deteriorating economic woes plague the country.

Checks on Monday showed Enugu was lit up with assorted decorations, flowers and Santa Claus effigies at roundabouts and other public places.

The Enugu government, through the office of the Ministry of Tourism, has also beautified some major streets and roundabouts, including Independence Avenue, Chime Avenue, and Onuasata roundabouts, which have the Ijele Masquerade.

The ministry also decorated Unity Park with different Christmas trees and other decorations and the Naira Triangle on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.

Some residents described the new look as a reflection of the season when no one would want to be left out.

A resident, Ifeanyi Nweke, expressed satisfaction with the decorations, saying that they changed the gloomy mood caused by the hardship faced by the people.

“Enugu is looking clean and beautiful this festive period, especially at night, and everywhere is well illuminated to celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I will bring my family to the Unity Park that has a lot of interesting things for both children and adults,” he said.

Jacintha Nweke, a hairstylist at Agbani Road, Enugu, said she decorated her shop to remind customers of the Christmas festivity.

A civil servant, Okwy Njoku, said the Christmas season usually changes people’s moods as many tend to be happy, allowing them to decorate their offices, houses, and shops.

“Christmas is a merrymaking season for Christians all over the world. In Enugu, it has also become a period when people look forward to attending events of different kinds,” Mr Njoku said.

Another resident of Enugu, Chioma Ozo, said that despite the prevailing economic situation in the country, her children needed to celebrate Christmas.

“We all are feeling the economic hardship in the country but in spite of it, I have to make my children happy by decorating my house and getting them gifts.

“I will also take them out to recreational parks on Christmas day for them to happily celebrate it,” she said.

Gilbert Nwoye, who sells Christmas gifts and decoration items at the Garki Market, explained that customers were coming to patronise him as Enugu residents were already in the Christmas mood.

“The items I sell are really attracting people to come to patronise me due to the season,” he said.

(NAN)