Rigozo
I’ve never stepped foot outside the borders of Nigeria. I was born and bred in Lagos State, which is in Western Nigeria. I have lived and visited other states in different regions – East, West, North, and South.
Lagos is the former capital of Nigeria. It’s a megacity (largest city in Nigeria and the second-largest city in Africa) comprising of a mainland and an island, with a population of about 15.3 million people. It’s well known as an economic, entertainment, and fashion hub.
It is home to me, and like people say, there’s no place like home.
I can say with my full chest, ‘there’s no place like Lagos.’
TOP 4 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAGOS
Here are four things that you’ll need to know about Lagos if you are visiting for the first time or returning after a long time.
Lagosians
People who reside in Lagos are called Lagosians, and they are all mad. No jokes. The madness is in the air, the food and water, and wherever two or three Lagosians are gathered. Lagosians sleep with one eye open (if they sleep at all), and because everybody is sleep derived, tempers run high, and fists fly at the slightest offense. Drivers in Lagos are a menace. They’ll give the Fast and Furious franchise a run for their money. Every day is one drama after another. Just try not to get into an argument with Lagosians – it’s not worth it.
Danfo (Yellow Bus)
Danfos (yellow buses) are the bloodline of Lagos’ transport system -the most common way to move around Lagos. Enter a danfo at your own risk. Better still, if you can afford it, call an uber. But if you ever find yourself in a danfo, make sure that it is going in your direction, have your complete fare to avoid stories that touch, and when you get to your bus stop, be ready to jump out of the danfo while it’s still moving because the driver may not stop the bus.
Lagos Traffic
You’ve called your Uber driver, you’ve jumped on a Danfo, Keke (tricycle), or Okada (motorbikes). Good. Now settle down for the ride because Lagos traffic is nobody’s mate. You’ll arrive at your destination wishing you had never stepped out of your house. It’s why Lagosians arrive at events late and are famous for this excuse, ‘There was traffic,’ A lot of things happen in Lagos traffic – signing contracts, buying household appliances, a pregnant woman delivering a baby,
Owambe (Parties)
It is an Owambe if there’s free food, a live band or DJ playing loud music, the women try to out dress themselves in their asoebis and geles, people spray money on the dancefloor like water, and souvenirs were. When you’re having a wedding, naming ceremony, an anniversary, or even a burial (celebration of life), it’s an unspoken rule to throw a party – whether you can afford it or not – and invite family, friends, village people, neighbors, and colleagues. Not even the pandemic was able to stop Lagosians from attending Owambe.
If you ever find yourself in Lagos, don’t forget to have fun and say Hi to me. Know that I’ll decline to meet you if it means I have to leave the house.
Waking Dreams Unmasked 