NSF: Petty Traders, Caterers Make Brisk Business At Venues

Petty traders and caterers are smiling to the banks with increased sales, at the venues of the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt

.At venues which include the Port Harcourt Club 1928, Port Harcourt Golf Course, Township School,Moscow Road among others, the traders were seen selling various forms of goods to customers.

Miss Lucy Briggs, a restaurant owner at Moscow Road said that business had been good since the festival commenced in the city.

“There cannot be a better form of democratic dividend than what we are witnessing presently, as we make unimaginable profits.

“Most of the athletes and officials detest the food served them at their various abodes and we provide a ready source of alternative to them.

“I Thank Gov. Rotimi Amechi for ensuring that the state hosted the festival despite earlier hitches, as it would showcase the state’s culture and hospitality to visitors from various states,” she said.

Master Uche Ikpeolu, a GSM recharge card seller at Port Harcourt Club 28, said he now makes quick turnover to the admiration of his master.

“I wish this sports festival would not end as most times, I do not even meet up to the demands of the customers, who seem to be increasing by the minutes.

“The only sore point is that I have been tempted to abandon school for now, as I cannot withstand the lure of recording huge sales on daily basis,” he said.

Mrs Agatha Wolu, a provisions dealer beside the Port Harcourt Golf Course, said that she was happy with the development as her rapid sales had enabled her meet up to her family’s domestic demands.

“I was worried about the payment of my children’s school fees but with rate of sales at present, I am optimistic of making enough money before the end of the festival, to pay the fees”, she intoned.

Mr Dapa Davids, a social commentator expressed worry that the boom in various businesses during the festival would dissuade most children from attending schools.