ASSUREDLY, money much more than music appears to be the soul of love for many Nigerians. With an economy battling with recession, the prices of luxury gifts items and leisure spots are on the high rise. The development appears to be an indication that this year’s Valentine’s Day, which comes up on Tuesday, may be marked on a moderate level for not just ordinary Nigerians but celebrities as well. For some celebrities, who shared their plans for celebrating Valentine’s Day, they seem to agree on the central theme that love much more than the value of gifts should be the essence of the day.
For musician Stella Monye, this year’s Valentine will meet her working. The songstress, who now lectures at the Lagos State University, in a chat with The Nation, explained that she would be presenting a paper at the university where she lectures and after wards would be performing to entertain people.
Appraising the state of the economy, she disagrees with the speculation that the recession might have an effect on valentine as she affirms that people will still go out and have fun no matter what.
“Recession for where? The average Nigerian love to enjoy; ladies are not left out too! So, whether there is recession or not, Nigerians will enjoy. If you doubt me, go around and see for yourself on that day. The average Nigerian is a happy fun-loving, easy-going person who cherishes fun and enjoyment. As for gifts, well, recession may affect that but the important thing is the feeling of love which no amount of money can buy,” the lady of songs explained.
For Chief Tony Okoroji, another top player in Nigeria’s music industry, showing love is enough to celebrate Val’s day without the pressure of buying luxury gift items. He is of the thinking that people should not be pressured to give out what they cannot afford in the quest to surpass expectations of loved ones on Valentine’s Day. His expectations for Valentine are in commensurate measures too. Hear him: “I will be expecting good wishes and honest love. It is a work day, so I will be working. As for gifts, I will be sending out lots of love and that will be more honest than any other thing. My kind of people will appreciate me sending love rather than carrying bags of rice around. People should not give what they cannot afford. If you are sincere, sending love will be enough.”
Another celebrity, who would be adopting a low key measure to Valentine’s day celebration is Nollywood actor and Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Bob Manuel. The top notch actor, who is just settling down after a successful burial for his late father, said he is preoccupied putting his life back in track.
“More so, Valentine’s Day this year is going to be a work day, so it is very likely I will be at work as the Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State working on how Anambra State will be better. My wife was with me throughout the burial period, so she is also trying to put her life back on track. It will be hard to think of Valentine’s Day celebration this time around. My responsibilities are much and heavy as I speak, after returning to work after burying my father”, he submitted.
For the famed “Ikebe” crooner, Valentine can wait. “This particular Valentine’s Day, I have no plans because I will certainly be in the studio. I am working on releasing another musical album. I have not concluded on what it is going to be called and I also have not concluded on the number of tracks it will be, but I know it will be a little eclectic, my usual style which is majorly highlife”, he told The Nation. However, though he won’t be expecting any visitor on that day, he is of the opinion that sharing of gifts should not be dependent on the state of the economy. According to him, “We can never quantify love or equate it with gifts. I will advise that people give according to what they have. Let us be more loving and share more love. Give out of love”.
Veteran actor Keppy Ekpeyong says recession has been over-exaggerated. He went further to say that recession should not stop people from celebrating love since love requires attention.
“Love does not ask for what you cannot give. Love requires that you show affection or give what you have. Recession might limit your adventure, but it cannot erase your feelings for another. Going by history, Valentine’s Day does not compel celebration because Valentino was martyred that day, but it has grown to mean a day to show love. So let us show love on that day,” he further explained.
Asked for his plans for the day, the star actor said he would be spending quality time with his family. “We could go out; usually we do not plan what we will do that day until it comes. Then we will decide whether to go out or not. Going out could also mean going somewhere to have dinner. But whatever we do that day, it means that we all agree.”
Recession or no recession, celebrity dancer, Zara Udofia, is already planning a ‘coup’ on how best to celebrate this coming Valentine’s Day. “I am sure my husband is also planning a ‘coup’ too about how we should celebrate that day. The only thing I am sure of right now is that we are both in Lagos, so we are definitely going to celebrate it in Lagos. He asked me what I would be doing on Valentine’s Day and I told him I don’t know. So, now I catch him every now and then whispering into the phone talking to some people and when he notices me, he will stop all of a sudden mischievously and laugh!”.
On her expectations for gift items, she confessed she would not be too finicky on the gifts she receives on Valentine’s Day since there are other special days in the year when she can receive and give out gifts to people. “The important thing about Val’s Day is the feeling of love. Love should extend to other days of the year. Love shouldn’t be limited to Valentine’s Day. It’s a work day this year and I hope that bosses will understand if people go to work late the next day”.
END
Be the first to comment