In a typical Nigerian Party, known as an owambe, there are Typically two sets of people in attendance: the Guests and the Uninvited ones, often referred to as Gatecrashers.
While Guests come to showcase their Elegance, luxury, and perhaps their modern dance moves, Gatecrashers are primarily attracted by the prospect of Food.
Traditionally, the treatment Guests receive at such Parties is Indicative of the Host’s Status.
The Hosts go to great lengths to prepare and Serve various Delicacies in beautiful Dishes and plastic Takeaway containers, often arranged on Decorated tables.
Some Guests are even permitted to place Orders for their desired Meals without leaving their Seats.
This not only reflects the Hosts’ social standing but also emphasizes the Significance of the Guests.
In some cases, Gatecrashers may also receive decent treatment, depending on the Financial Capacity of the Host.
However, recent Economic challenges have brought about Significant changes in this dynamic.
Being a Gatecrasher is no longer as appealing, as the treatment they receive at Owambe Events has become less Accommodating and, to put it mildly, somewhat demeaning.
Today, many Gatecrashers end up leaving with their food packed in small Polythene bags.
This change in Hospitality can be attributed to the high Cost of Renting plates and the Increased Prices of Plastic Takeaway Containers.
Economy&Lifestyle has discovered that most Hosts now opt to Package Food for their Special Guests in Paper Takeaway Containers.
Those who wish to maintain an air of Sophistication may purchase a few Plastic Takeaway Containers for selected Guests, leaving Gatecrashers with no option but to take their Food home in Nylon bags.
The Significant Price hike in Plastic Containers is largely due to the Increased Cost of Production, Influenced by the rise in Fuel Prices.
For instance, a bundle of 50 Three-compartment Plastic Takeaway Containers, which used to Cost N17,000, now sells for N30,000. Similarly, 50 large Single-Compartment Plastic Takeaway Containers, previously priced at N5,000, now range from N25,000 to N40,000, depending on their Quality.
In Contrast, the Cost of 50 Paper Takeaway Food Containers, suitable for both dry and wet Foods, ranges from N4,000 to N5,000, depending on their size.
This shift towards Paper Containers has prompted some Hosts to reconsider their Choices. Mrs. Efosa Akinola, a private school teacher who celebrated her 10th wedding Anniversary, opted for Paper Containers to save Costs.
While she would have preferred the Plastic ones for their perceived Elegance, she ultimately chose the more Budget-friendly paper Containers for her Special Guests, leaving Gatecrashers with Food packed in Nylon bags.
Mrs. Chigbu Okeke, a Foodstuff seller, had a similar experience during her Son’s first Birthday party.
Faced with the Exorbitant Cost of Plastic Takeaway Containers, she decided to use Paper Containers to package Small Chops and Food, which turned out to be a more Cost-effective Choice.
