By Fẹ́mi Akínṣọlá
As the festive spirit envelops us, lights twinkle in the night, and the sweet scent of holiday treats fills the air, we find ourselves on the brink of a joyful celebration. Christmas and the New Year beckon, promising a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness as we prepare to welcome 2026. Yet, amid the merriment, a troubling trend looms—a defiance against the call for responsible celebration. As fireworks light up the sky, they also create a cacophony of chaos that threatens to overshadow the true spirit of the season. This is a moment that calls for deeper reflection, and it’s essential we examine the implications of our choices during this joyful time. Join me as we explore why the beauty of our celebrations should never come at the cost of our community’s peace and safety.
In recent years, the Yuletide season has become synonymous with loud explosions and reckless abandon. Despite clear warnings from different security service quarters against the use of knockouts and bangers, many citizens have chosen to pay deaf ears to these advisories. This behaviour not only illustrates a shocking disregard for societal norms but also highlights deeper issues within our communities, including economic hardship, rising insecurity, and increasing tensions.
The festive season is meant to embody peace and love, drawing families together in celebration. Instead, the misuse of fireworks disrupts this spirit, transforming a time dedicated to harmony into chaos. Defiant individuals, particularly uninformed youths and irresponsible elders, engage in this reckless behaviour without fully grasping the consequences. Many of these youths partake in fireworks under the misguided notion of imitation, seeking acceptance from peers while lacking proper orientation on their use. This lack of understanding endangers not just themselves but threatens the safety of entire communities.
The physical dangers associated with fireworks cannot be overstated. The potential for fire outbreaks looms large, particularly in densely populated areas where the risk of accidental ignitions is high. History has shown that poorly handled fireworks can lead to tragic outcomes, including property damage and injuries. Such acts demonstrate a concerning lack of basic safety knowledge and protocols, contributing to an environment where accidents are not just possible but inevitable. This glaring oversight underscores the immediate need for greater awareness and accountability.
Furthermore, the current economic climate adds urgency to this conversation. With soaring poverty rates and unemployment, the decision to spend money on expensive fireworks is both imprudent and troubling. Families struggling to make ends meet are forced to endure the noise and chaos of reckless celebrations, while participants engage in extravagance that detracts from communal well-being. The financial resources used for fireworks could be better spent on essential needs like food, education, and healthcare, revealing an alarming indifference to the challenges faced by many.
The security landscape in Nigeria intensifies the need for responsible behaviour. Amid ongoing threats of terrorism and civil unrest, the loud sounds of bangers can incite panic and fear. Moments of festivity can swiftly morph into distress as individuals, particularly in vulnerable communities, grapple with heightened anxiety. Instead of fostering unity and goodwill, these actions create divisions and amplify fear—a profoundly perverse outcome for a season meant for togetherness.
Health implications further compound the detrimental effects of fireworks. The shocking and sudden noises can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health concerns, suffer greatly under these conditions. The stress induced by unnecessary noise pollution detracts from the joy that should permeate this festive season.
This troubling picture is compounded by the broader societal impact of such behaviours. The unthinking pursuit of pleasure at the expense of others reflects a moral failing that requires immediate attention. As a community, we must confront this mindset and advocate for more responsible expressions of celebration. The actions of a few should not dictate the experiences of the many; individuals must recognise their responsibility to act in ways that promote harmony rather than discord.
Ultimately, the Yuletide season should remain a time of joy, reflection, and unity. By choosing to forgo the use of knockouts and bangers, we embrace a more thoughtful celebration that acknowledges our collective struggles. It is imperative that every citizen understands the consequences of their actions and strives to celebrate in ways that uplift rather than disrupt. The cost of reckless behaviour extends beyond mere annoyance; it threatens the safety, well-being, and cohesion of our communities.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us collectively advocate for responsible celebration, ensuring that the spirit of the season triumphs over chaos. By working together to cultivate an atmosphere of joy that embodies compassion, understanding, and respect, we can reaffirm the values that truly define this special time of year. Let us make the choice to celebrate in ways that bring us closer together, creating a brighter, safer future for all.
Copyright © 2025 Fẹ́mi Akínṣọlá. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
