09/04/2026
Nandom Rindam wrote 👇
Back in 1999, sometime out of the blue in August, I had this burning desire to organize a party. There was no specific reason, no birthday, no anniversary, and definitely no milestone achievement to celebrate. It was probably the height of youthful exuberance and from my point of view at that moment, an excuse to groove. And so I swung into action.
There was this particular hotel that had just been launched at the time. Nana Country Home Hotel in Tudun Wada, Jos. It was new and impressively built. I recall always seeing the beautiful edifice from the road whenever I was on my way to visit my cousins who lived not too far from the hotel from. One day, out of sheer boredom and with no money in my pocket, I decided to stop over and check the place out. I can't remember the particular people I met that day but they were very professional and hospitable.
They gave small me a VIP tour of the facilities and all their amenities. Everything was top-notch and the conference hall, was to die for. I am beginning to think that was probably what influenced my decision to have the party in the first place. In hindsight, I think those nice people played over my intelligence. I dey look dem like monkey, I no no say dem dey look me like banana.
Anyway, I eventually went back ago and booked the place for my party. The event was a huge success at the time remained the talk of the town for several weeks. Like I mentioned earlier, it was just a party. A time for all, familiar and strange faces irrespective of tribe, religion and political beliefs to all come together under one roof and achieve a common goal, vibe like there was no tomorrow. Jos people and rocking na 5 & 6 sha. I remember bumping into a close friend of mine on the dance floor and I was amazed to learn that her elder brother was the one who had even brought her. She accompanied her big bro to her own friend's party. Gist really spread wide to say the least. Unfortunately, there were no phones to capture the moment and one didnt have the frame of mind to make arrangements for still or video coverage.
I paid the total sum of N4,000 for that venue and it came with alot of extras. The hotel management went the extra mile to provide adequate security for my guests. They stationed a police vehicle with officers within the premises to ensure that lives and properties were safe. At that time, it wasn't even necessary because the town was super safe. To digress a bit, I remember two of my older friends who were brothers, (names withheld, for they are now fathers & ressponsible citizens in society) who went clubbing in Plateau Club not too far from the area we all lived They were so high that after party, the walked home and left their mum's white 505 Peugeot parked at the venue. It was in the morning when their eyes cleared that they literally began to trace their steps back to the joint and to see that the vehicle hadn't moved an inch.
So back to Nana. There were enough drinks, good music and no insecurity challenges, it was just pure undiluted fun. To the best of my knowledge, I don't think I spent up to N50,000 in total for everything.
Fast forward 27 years later and I'm staring at these receipts and wondering at the calamity that has befallen us as a people and a nation. What could I possibly buy with N4,000 besides two loaves of bread? The amount is not even enough to pay the bolt that will take one to any hotel to make enquiries? Even if you walked there, by the time you just leave your house, you're in deficit. -N1,800 or something like that. Living in Nigeria at these times is just damn hard. But dont get me wrong. I'm not illusional that things ought to have remained the same considering several obvious economic factors including our weakened currency, ridiculous exchange rates, and cost of goods and services that constantly go up. It's just safe to say that the Naira’s decline has stretched every budget and shrunk every ambition.
My assessment and judgement therefore, stems from the fact that the times in present day Nigeria are Pro Max harder than they ever were. Little wonder my aunt had to tell me that "I cut cap for una generation." Back then, it wasn't as if money came easy per se, but your chances of making it were way higher. It was not a mission impossible. The value of what we earned matched the cost of how we lived.
You could afford to celebrate frivolous things on whim and in grands style too. Today, even very important events need ample time to prepare and divine intervention to become a successful reality. I see weddings on social media where the event centers alone (marquees) costs as much as N5m and above. One will think that for such an amount, the facility will come with the full works, entertainment systems, refreshments, children of choice for the couple and a happy married life guaranteed.
Maybe the real point here is just the glaring disparity between then and now. On how the cost of living has drastically and adversely changed from barely having ₦50,000 and a willing spirit to have an awesome time with the entire community. Today with the amount needed to just fill up my tank, that easily would have been sufficient to shut down the town for the whole weekend.
Back then we spent little and lived large. Today we spend large just to feel a little. Until the Naira finds its strength again, we’ll keep adjusting, and reminiscing about days when life didn’t feel like a constant financial calculation.
