Financial pressures and festive season – Our Security, Our Peace By Prof. O.E Bassey

“Planning your festive expenses in advance is another key strategy. Allocate funds to the most important aspects of your celebration—whether it’s travel, gifts, or hosting gatherings. Ensuring every expense fits within your budget helps you avoid last-minute rushes, which often lead to impulsive”.

Planning your festive expenses in advance is another key strategy. Allocate funds to the most important aspects of your celebration—whether it’s travel, gifts, or hosting gatherings. Ensuring every expense fits within your budget helps you avoid last-minute rushes, which often lead to impulsive

As the festive season approaches and the year draws to a close, Nigerians eagerly look forward to the joy of celebrating with loved ones. However, these celebrations often come with financial pressures, especially in an economy weighed down by high inflation and unemployment. The desire to create memorable moments can lead some to unnecessary debt or, worse, tempt them toward unethical practices to meet societal expectations. To avoid these pitfalls, it is crucial to adopt a thoughtful and disciplined approach to holiday budgeting.

The first step is to be honest about your financial situation. A clear understanding of your income and expenses provides a realistic picture of what you can afford without jeopardizing your financial stability. This involves setting a budget that aligns with your resources. While it’s natural to want to make the holidays special, overspending can result in long-term stress that far outweighs

the fleeting joy of lavish celebrations.

Planning your festive expenses in advance is another key strategy. Allocate funds to the most important aspects of your celebration—whether it’s travel, gifts, or hosting gatherings. Ensuring every expense fits within your budget helps you avoid last-minute rushes, which often lead to impulsive purchases at inflated prices.

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Equally important is resisting the temptation to “keep up with the Joneses.” The festive season often brings heightened displays of wealth, amplified by social media and community trends. These can create a false sense of inadequacy, driving individuals to overstretch their finances in an attempt to impress others. Remember, true celebration is not measured by material extravagance but by the warmth, love, and connection shared with those closest to you. Staying true to your values and financial goals is far more fulfilling than competing in a superficial race with no real satisfaction.

Above all, take responsibility for ensuring the season’s celebrations are ethical. Avoid any temptation to engage in fraudulent activities or illicit practices to finance festivities. Compromising your integrity or breaking the law is never worth it. The consequences of such actions can be severe and enduring. Instead, embrace contentment and gratitude—the true essence of the festive season. A clear conscience and peace of mind far outweigh any material gain, reinforcing that the holidays are about shared joy, not fleeting displays of wealth.

Proverbs 14:15: The naive believes everything, But the sensible man

considers his steps.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace, and Security

Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace, and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as

well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership,

Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of

Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is

the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace

Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a

campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

X: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com