As Muslims  celebrate the
Eid-el-Kabir,  operators of recreation centres in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have  expressed frustration over low patronage of their services.
A check by The Tide source at some recreation centres showed that there was not much happening at the facilities.
At Magicland Amusement Park, few families, friends and children were seen playing indoor games because of the wet weather arising from the early morning rain in the city.
Similarly, few people were at Silverbird Entertainment, Monaliza and Millennium Parks and operators blamed the situation on the hard economic situation and the rain.
In spite of the complaints, families said the occasion was one for which they must be thankful to God.
Mrs Abike Ahmed, a banker, said although prices of goods and services went up and the country was going through hardship , there was a need to still celebrate.
“I believe Allah is the one taking care of me and my family so in spite of what is happening in Nigeria now I know we will survive.
“The economic and social challenges in the world now will not deter me.
“I am among the categories of people that have made it a matter of priority to trust in this country, Nigeria,;; she said.
Ahmed urged Nigerians to give President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration the opportunity to take Nigeria to the promise land.
Mr Babatunde Ishola, an engineer, said he came with his family to Magicland to celebrate because he could not travel to his hometown because of the economic crunch Nigeria is passing through.
“I came here because I do want to be stranded either on the way or at home due to cash squeeze.
Malam Idris Abdu, a civil servant, said he was thankful for the life that Allah gave to him and his family.
“I am a civil servant and I  do not have much money.
“However, I still managed to make my children and wives happy so life goes on whether economic recession or not,’’ Abdu said.
Meanwhile, Mr Paul Oko, Personnel Manager of Magicland, said that the park made adequate preparations to satisfy customers but that   the low patronage was discouraging.
“The rain that fell this early morning contributed to the low patronage even though a lot of people have complained of economic crunch.
“ In order to attract more customers, we made arrangement for varieties of fun packages: We have packages that will attract both young and old.
“We did not increase our prices, whether it is festive period or not.
“However, it is possible to have some dishonest elements in the business who may take advantage of the festivity to exploit unsuspecting fun seekers,’’ Oko said.