Julius OkorieCould it be that they have nothing to eat on this special Day, December 25, Christmas Day?
Could it be that they have something to eat but it is not enough?
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCould it be that they have stew but no rice to go with it?
Could it be that they have rice but no stew to eat the rice?
Could it be they have both rice and stew but no meat to grace the surface of the delicacy?
Could it be they have all these but have nothing left to face post-Christmas challenge?
Can you think of any other reason? Did I hear you ask a reason for what?
Well, a viral video emerged of a long queue in front of Bourdillon gate, residence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he observes the Yuletide in Lagos. The line, which can only take you as far as the eyes can see began from the gate and extends endlessly along the wall fencing of the Presidents private residence.
The video posted on X, formerly twitter, courtesy @Nigeriastories, reveals the drive past occupant of a vehicle showcasing the massive number of Nigerians sitting in front of the President’s gate. A second occupant of the vehicle apparently shocked to see the multitude was asked by his colleague who appears to have noted the scene as a regular “Are you just seeing it for the first time? Once they know he is around, this is how it is.”
The President who is holidaying in Lagos, following public holidays declared by the Federal Government has his hands full as his party members and associates reportedly pay homage to celebrate the Yuletide.
While the ‘Big fishes’ may have the opportunity to see Mr President, there are no guarantees that the talakawas at the gate will get that opportunity, unless if the President decides to come out to address them and perhaps gives directive. Considering the level of hardship in the country, there are strong indications that those in their queue will prefer to receive ‘something’ from the President in place of Presidential address at Boudillon.
The good thing about the queue at Bourdillon is that nobody is in a hurry to leave and no one is ready for stampede. Recall that the President while reacting to triple stampede that claimed over 70 lives in Abuja, Ibadan and Anambra charged those who wish to help fellow Nigerians in any way to ensure that the arrangement is well organised to prevent a re-occurrence of the fortunate incidents.
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He condoled with the families of the deceased. The President revealed that he has been extending hands of fellowship to people from his abode at Bourdillon for over 25 years even before he became President but noted that there has never been a case of stampede.
He charged those who wish to extend hands of fellowship thus “If you know you don’t have enough to give don’t even publicise it.”
Recall that the president during the Presidential chat acknowledged that there is hunger in the land but expressed optimism that the new Ministry of Livestock Development that has been given the mandate to solve the problem will deliver.
“We didn’t have Ministry of Livestock Development Before, I have been travelling round the world to campaign and sell Nigeria. The Ministry is to turn disaster to prosperity. We have arable land, we have animal stock, it is just to remove the conflicting element and commercialise the venture,” he enthused.
While the President is optimistic about the future, some economic experts using statistics of inflationary rate and other analytics have predicted that next year will be survival of the fittest.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
