There are different interpretations to Lagos being the called ‘The Small London’. It could be the high cost of living, the busy areas, the tall buildings, the unending traffic jams or the crazy weather. Whichever it may be, it has a spice of London in it.
Without any doubts, Lagos has proven to be the city that ‘holds it all’ in Nigeria; the commercialisation, the over population, the combination of almost all tribes in Nigeria (foreigners inclusive) and it being the cultural, financial and entertainment capital of Africa. If you are visiting Lagos for the very first time, or perhaps, you have already, you would understand how much Lagos means to both the citizens and non-citizens.
A lot of people who were born in the city or spent most of their lives cannot adapt to a life lesser or cooler than the city’s. Likewise, people who have spent their lives in a cooler city may not just be able to bear the heat. Therefore, if you fall under the category of the latter, prepare your summer bodies, as it is always summer in Lagos.
A while ago, I listened to a podcast of a foreigner who had just returned from his first ever visit to Lagos. He had described Lagos as ‘the most dangerous city’ in Nigeria. Immediately, I burst into an immense laughter. However, after I had reminisced over what he had said, I realized that a whole lot of people who had never been to the city may just believe him which was my motivation for writing this article so as to clear any doubts there may be. Now, the questions you may ask are ‘was he right about his observations?’ No. ‘Was he wrong?’ Still no. However, I would love to help him rephrase his statement, Lagos gives you ‘street smartness’.
As someone who is not a Lagosian by origin, but became one by birth and neutralisation, I may just be the one to give the best opinion about the city. Lagos is a city that never sleeps; from 03:00 AM, you can already see the headlights of vehicles taking passengers to their desired destinations (most times, it is to their places of service). Also, by 02:59 AM, you can find the same vehicles taking passengers back to their homes after the previous day’s work. (Do not ask how that is possible, nothing is impossible in Lagos). During this period -from 03:00 AM till 02:59 AM of the next day – a lot of things takes place. In the case of that foreigner, probably the statement was ‘a lot of ROBBERY takes place’; either on the highway, on and under the bridges, market places, banks or even alleyways. It is either you experience a robbery, a mob, you’re pickpocketed or however it may happen to you – if and only if you aren’t smart and careful enough. Therefore, these experiences may just increase your street smartness and enable you to be careful enough. You may wonder how these things happen and the city still remains the most populous city in the country – Nigeria. This is because just as London has it’s own dangers, the city is still very much populous and is continuously visited by foreigners and immigrants. The scenario mentioned above happens to be just one among the many daunting challenges Lagos has to offer, most especially if you happen to be what is called a ‘JJC’ – a pidgin term used for foreigners who has just come to the city with the full meaning being ‘Johnny Just Come”. However, why do we have to focus on the ‘minor’ issues to deal with in Lagos rather than the major? Let us look at the brighter side.
Just the same way the ‘mega city’ does not sleep, that is the same way the party never ends. Lagos is a city known for its exorbitant parties, no matter how little it may be. From the local gatherings of the market women at Oshodi to the extravagant parties held by the ‘big boys’ of Ikoyi, whichever it may be, they always have the attempt to ‘paint the city red’. Be it wedding parties, carnivals, birthday celebrations or whatever ceremonies may come to mind; there is always a motive to leave the party better than the previous ones. The hosts throw these elaborate parties to celebrate, definitely. However, there is also an unwritten law to make your party unmatchable and to leave tongues wagging, guests impressed and the media to do the talking.
Dear readers, you may be wondering how the citizens keep up with this lifestyle and the expense – following the high cost of things in the city – but, remember what was stated earlier on, ‘nothing is impossible in Lagos’. Just as people plan their income and set up their needs, Lagosians never forget to plan their next party in their income. Besides, there is a need to always ‘pepper’ someone.
The city is located in the south-western part of Nigeria that is originally owned by the Yoruba tribe. Naturally, Africans and parties have a common ground; however, anyone who knows the Yoruba tribe, knows how well they plan and prepare for parties. The Yorubas have had this culture longer than the country itself had been amalgamated. Although, the exact time to how long this culture has existed has not been officially discovered by anyone; perhaps, we can date it back to when their ancestors worshipped the Orishas (spirits/gods) where they would organise festivals and community get-togethers as a means of showing reverence.
Undoubtedly, the parties in Lagos are seconded to none. Supposed it be a birthday, expect nothing less than a ‘dawn till dusk’ party; or a wedding… Publicity aside, some Yoruba wedding parties can compete the royal weddings that took place in the Westminster’s Abbey or St. George’s Chapel, or what can one say about a wedding party that has the attribute of a carnival? One that grips the entire neighborhood with loud music, VIPs, posh cars, the spraying of high denomination notes, plenty to eat & take away and music from eminent musicians?
Another breathtaking opinion is that Lagos is the fastest growing city in Africa and it remains one of the major financial centre in Africa. The documentaries you may have seen just might not have given you the full view. There are slums in Lagos, just as there are urbans in the city. How about you take a chilled glass of whatever drink you love best, listen to some beautiful music by the city’s latest and hottest singers and sit out on the shores of the famous ‘eko’ beach while being enveloped into the wind. Or better still, get a ticket for one of the concerts and enjoy the thrill Lagos has to offer. Remember, it is always summer in Lagos.
Ékó ó ni bààjé ó!
Evidence McDonald is a young female writer thrilled with the wonders Africa has to offer. She is an online tourist (if there is anything of such 😅) and a poet as well as spoken word artist. She can be reached via evidencemcdonald@gmail.com