By JOSHUA OLOMU

Cinemas, parks and other recreational centres in the Federal (FCT) hosted large numbers of funseekers in celebration of the 2026 Valentine’s Day, despite the perceived economic challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that revelers from different parts of the FCT were seen in their numbers at Genesis Cinemas, and the Silverbird cinemas.

Some of movies on screen for revelers include Behind the Scenes, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Friends Indeed, Love and New Notes, amongst others.

Other fun-seekers trooped to the Jabi Lake Mall, Central Park and other popular restaurants in the metropolis .

Valentine’s Day, observed globally on February 14, traditionally celebrates romantic love, friendship and family bonds, and it is characterised by the exchange of gifts, cards and goodwill messages.

This year, one would have presumed that the prevailing high cost of living would make FCT residents to opt for more cost-effective ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, such as special dinners at home.

However, some of the fun-seekers who spoke with NAN said they felt bored staying at home, especially on special days that do come once in a year.

An FCT resident, who introduced himself as Mr KC,said : “We all know that valentine’s day is special, and it comes once in a year, so we have to celebrate it no matter what.”

Mr Dave Johnson, who came to see a movie with his fiancée,said: “It is a day where you spend crucial time with your partner.

“I wanted to give my baby special treatment today, I had to bring her here to watch movie of her choice.”

Amos Luka, who came to the Jabi Lake Mall with his family, said it was a weekend they needed a relaxed environment from home.

“I think the fact that this valentine’s day fall on a Saturday gave a lot of people the opportunity to go out,” he said.

The large influx of fun seekers also encouraged vendors and photographers to fill the recreational centres for business.

An ice cream vendor, who declined to mention his name, said patronage for the day was unusually high, unlike the previous valentine’s days in the FCT.

Earlier, some residents who spoke with NAN in separate interviews said Valentine was just another day, and should not be used to mark ‘seasonal love’.

According to them, love is supposed to be celebrated every day, as humans are expected to love their neighbours, whether they have romantic affiliations or not.

Ms. Victoria Chukwu, said:“I don’t really know the origin of valentine, but I hear people say it’s a time to show love to one another and this is something I do on a normal day.

“It should not just be celebrated among just partners because if it’s just among partners other people who do not have partners will be left out.

“I think it should be a time to show love to our neigbours, especially the vulnerable persons,” she said.

Mr. Dooshima Mantah said : Honestly from my viewpoint, Valentine’s day has always been of no significance at all.

“I am not condemning the fact that others might find it so interesting, but we’re all entitled to how we see things.

“Like I said earlier, I don’t need a landmark or special day to mark my love for anyone,” he said.

A Nurse, Iweka Sharon, said: I see Valentine as just every other day: it’s a day to show love to my family, my friends.

“Maybe because I don’t have a partner, so for me Val is just another day, it’s not really special to me”. (NAN)