By CECILIA IJUO

Some vendors on Friday took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) to make brisk gains through the sales of Nigerian flags and other national symbols.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flags sold for as low as N200 and as high as N1,000 depending on the size.

Some of the vendors, who spoke to NAN said they were taking advantage of the season to make some money.

Adamu Isiaka, one of the vendors, who was seen running after vehicles in traffic, said he made much sales from the flags than other products he sold some days back.

He, however, said the patronage was not as much as that of 2021, adding that it could be due to “hardship”.

One of the customers, who did not want her name mentioned, said it had been her tradition to celebrate the day in one way or the other.

She said October I celebration was always characterised with carnivals, particularly in the 1980s, adding that many people often looked forward to it.

She said, “l know we are going through a lot as Nigerians
but I believe better days are ahead.

“I believe that things will change for the better.”

In a similar development, preparation for the day was felt in some markets visited within the FCT.

NAN reports that in Wuse Market, one of the biggest markets in the FCT, people were seen buying food stuff and other items.

Some of them who spoke to NAN said they were stuffing up on some items because it was going to be a long weekend.

They said though they would be celebrating on low key, they would want to have some moments with family and friends.

NAN equally visited schools to find out the level of activities carried out in preparation for the day.

NAN reports that while some schools continued with their regular routines, others carried out activities like presentation on national symbols and significance of Oct. 1.

Other activities included face painting, exchange of gifts, and making of the Nigerian flags among others.

Oct. 1, 1960 was a remarkable day in the history of Nigeria as a country as it was granted independence from the British colonial rule.

Three years after independence, the Constitution was amended and Nigeria was declared the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.

Oct. 1 celebration became an annual event with the declaration of public holiday to allow Nigerians celebrate with loved ones.

The day is often marked with activities ranging from President’s address, marchpast by the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies, and schools.

Other activities to mark the day include adorning of the green and white colour in every nook and cranny of the country.

A 21-gun salute is thereafter fired by a detachment from the Army Artillery Regiment as the celebration is brought to an end. (NAN)

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