By Faoziyyat Akintobi
Omo, if you knew the kind of excitement I’m feeling right now, you would understand why it’s hard to concentrate in class. We are just a few days away from Eid, and the atmosphere in school already feels like a celebration. For many Nigerian secondary school students, especially those of us who have been fasting, the countdown to Eid al‑Fitr is not just a date on the calendar — it is a whole vibe.
The countdown usually begins when people start talking about the sighting of the moon. That is when the excitement really begins. In the hostel, everyone is discussing their Sallah clothes. If you haven’t checked on your tailor recently, you might be in trouble because they can disappoint you at the last minute. I have been imagining my new white buba and how I will dress up for the day. Even my friends who are not Muslims know that Sallah is a celebration everyone can enjoy.
But let’s be honest — the struggle is also part of the countdown. Fasting during school hours is not easy. When you are sitting through a double period of Further Maths or Physics and the sun is blazing outside, you might start dreaming about a cold drink of zobo. Still, the thought of the Eid celebration and the holiday keeps us going.
At home, the countdown means more work but also more fun. My sisters are already planning their henna designs, and my mum has started buying bags of rice for the celebration. The most exciting part for me is the Sallah money. I have already calculated how much I might receive from my uncles and aunties. In this economy, every naira counts! Even though things are more expensive now, the joy of the season remains strong.
However, the countdown to Eid is not only about food, clothes, and celebration. It is also about the final push for spiritual growth. The holy month of Ramadan is almost coming to an end, and many people are trying to make the most of the remaining days and blessings. Don’t miss out on that part too.
Faoziyyat is a student of I-Scholars International Academy, Abuja.