Some fun-seekers in Calabar, Cross River State, have urged Nigerians to take time to relax and enjoy life despite economic challenges to protect their mental and physical health.

The fun-seekers made the remark in separate interviews in Calabar on Monday.
The respondents, who were at the Airport Field (an amusement park) to celebrate the Easter holiday, appealed to Nigerians to make the most of their circumstances if they were to lead healthy lives.
Cynthia Affiong, a public servant in Calabar, stressed that waiting to have fun until the economy improves might prove more costly if health issues arise.

She said that the absence of relaxation might create mental health problems that could degenerate into other health issues, adding that it was why she was picnicking with family and friends to celebrate Easter.
“I really think it is important for Nigerians to look for a way to relax, even though I know that it’s difficult to find something that will make you smile when you look around.

“The power situation in the nation and particularly in Calabar has been pathetic; everything in the market has started climbing in price.
“To make matters worse is the insecurity in many parts of the nation, which is another reason why many Nigerians have refused to travel by road. But in all, Nigerians still need to be hopeful,” she said.

She appealed to leaders at all levels in the nation to continue in their stride to make the country better and things easier for Nigerians.
Similarly, Timi John, who was relaxing in the park with his children, said he had to enjoy the public holiday declared by the federal government with them.
Mr John said that even though he knew times were hard, he still had to celebrate Easter with his family, noting that one would always find happiness within oneself to overcome the country’s challenges.

Paul Usen also said that if any Nigerian is looking at the present situation, he or she would not want to celebrate Easter, but as Christians, we need to be hopeful.

He noted that although things are hard in Nigeria economically, as salaries are no longer enough to cushion the effect, one still needs to celebrate and be happy to avoid overthinking and mental stress.
“My appeal to the president and governors is to provide just the basic things, like roads, electricity, and a good health system, among others, to Nigerians.

However, some teenagers who were seen dancing to loud music in one part of the field said they were celebrating the season and would continue to do so regardless of the economic hardship.
Other parks in the city, including Millennium Park, were filled with fun-seekers with their friends and families, all in a joyous mood.
(NAN)