The celebration of the 61st Independence anniversary of Nigeria in Warri, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State was at its lowest ebb ever on Friday following what some residents of the area attributed to the general disenchantment and disillusionment over the unpleasant happenings in the country.
NewsNet Nigeria investigation revealed that only a handful of the people were seen putting on the country’s colour as part of their attires to mark the celebration unlike in past years.
A drive through the busy Warri-Sapele Road, EffurunSapele Road and adjoining streets in the early hours of Friday, October 1 2021, only a few passengers were spotted on the road while there were little or no children putting on the country’s green and white colour.
In a chat with NewsNet Nigeria some residents along Okumagba Avenue in the Warri metropolis said things were going from bad to worse as they could barely eat three square meals a day owing to the high cost of living in the country.
The residents who spoke on condition of anonymity further said they prefer to mark this year’s Independence day celebration on a low key and with sober reflection rather than pretend that all is fine and die in silence.
They however expressed hope that the country will come out of the myraid of problems facing it when everyone eschews religious and tribal differences.
Views expressed by most residents of Warri were not different from those in other parts of Delta State and Nigeria in general.