OPINION
– Okon Nnaetuk
Dear Friends,
I trust you to do structural adjustment as you plan to celebrate the season. There is no skipping the period but you must celebrate it with objectivity. Personally, I have seriously embarked on end-of-year adjustment scheme and I can see it is paying off.
First, no new clothes; my family members have had enough clothes even before now to wear, and they can buy new clothes in June– October next year after 2018 Easter shall have come and gone, when price level will have come down.
Second, I have no cause to travel to the village this festive season. So all the end of year/new year expenses I will have incurred will be put to other uses. As travelling is curtailed, I will save the money I would have used in buying petrol for buying diesel for generator as I would need more energy at home (I will stay longer hours at home so my appliances and devices will be functioning). My gate will remain closed to unwanted/unwelcome visitors. I have no space for people with unruly behaviour. I discover very many things we do at Christmas/New year are unnecessary and superfluous and can be done away with. Often, it turns out to be much ado without nothing.
I have a duty to save for the school fees of my wards early next year. I desire a situation I can afford to pay school fees with ease, without taking loans in January 2018. I want to put a stop to the practice of borrowing in January. If I should borrow let it be for capital investment, not for frivolities of celebrations!
In 2018, I aim at gaining increase (increment), not depletion, of my assets; my asset base should be expanding, not contracting; my capacity should be enhanced, not weakened. It is enough of the misplacement of priorities in the name of celebrating Christmas/New Year.
I urge you to celebrate the season sensibly, with a view/plans to come out stronger, healthier, and properly poised to face the future (ejo iso akpon akan erem–what lies ahead is greater than what has past). I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy New year. Best wishes!
