Missing Lagos

There is a Hausa Adage that says ‘Kowa ya tuna bana bai ji dadin bara ba’, meaning everybody should remember last year he didn’t enjoy this year. But for me it is the contrary. I miss Lagos for social, economic, cultural, political, and religious reasons. When I was posted to Lagos, people consoled me like […]

There is a Hausa Adage that says ‘Kowa ya tuna bana bai ji dadin bara ba’, meaning everybody should remember last year he didn’t enjoy this year. But for me it is the contrary. I miss Lagos for social, economic, cultural, political, and religious reasons.
When I was posted to Lagos, people consoled me like somebody who lost a loved one, while others encouraged me like a soldier sent to the war front. But when I landed at the local wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja area of Lagos, my thought changed instantly. I discovered that it was better than the international wing of Aminu Kano and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airports. The Lagos Airport is always busy with people trooping in and out on a daily basis.
Unlike some of my colleagues who hate Lagos for certain reasons, I see Lagos from a different perspective. Most of them preferred Abuja than Lagos. They argued that Abuja is less congested while Lagos is more populated and overcrowded. That the lingering traffic hold-up of the vehicles on Lagos roads made them dislike the place and that Abuja is traffic- free and one can go anywhere he and arrive on time.
But to me Lagos is a unique place in Nigeria, including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory . But Lagos and Abuja are two different places that cannot be compared. In Lagos you can socialise, have good weekends and relax. There are beaches, eateries, shopping Malls and different hotels where you can relax at affordable rates. Also, there are many recreational centres with activities always ongoing. People in Abuja have been complaining that the city is boring and deserted.  Some of my colleagues argued that in Abuja too there are many relaxation spots, hotels and recreational centres but how many people are patronizing them and how affordable are they? 
Even from the names you can differentiate the two places. Lagos is fondly called the business hub of Nigeria, while Abuja, the centre for excellence. You will agree with me that the latter is incomparable with Lagos in terms of business opportunities.
I miss Lagos because of its food varieties and rates that tally with ones financial status. I will never forget my favourite – black Amala with Ewedu soup, sometimes mixed with vegetable but it is more delicious with kpomo or fish. I also missed their traditional delicacy called Opada rice with its pepper soup. These are delicious foods with unique taste that can be found only in Lagos. Yes! Somebody will argue that even in Abuja you can get delicious food with unique taste but I insist, not like Lagos.
One of the interesting things that makes me remember the city is the religious aspect. Some people think that the people are secular, rationalists and superstitious. In reality, they are more religious, God fearing, devoted Muslims and Christians. There are many mosques and churches, daily and part time classes for Islamic education in various mosques. In fact Lagosians are more enlightened on religious doctrines. It is there that you find mosques and churches on the same street. The people are not religious bigots. There is cordial relationship between adherents of different faiths.
I miss the commercial city for its rich culture, another aspect that makes Lagos a multi-cultural society. People come from different cultural backgrounds and live in the same area because there is inter-cultural exchange. There are inter-marriages among different ethnic groups. You find a person whose mother is Hausa, having a Father who is Yoruba. There are instances where some Hausas forget their cultural heritage and adopt Yoruba culture. That is Lagos! This is why it is different – a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi religious society.
Another aspect that will remain indelible in my mind is how people struggle to fight poverty.  Lagosians are not lazy. They are hard working, smart and courageous. A lazy person can’t live in there. You will not get things easily, but have to struggle. That is why life there is full of challenges. If you are not smart you will be left behind. Lagosians wake up by 3:00 am daily and go to work. There is serious struggle to get into buses and the same struggle to get off. The same applies to collect your change. It is a clear indication that Lagosians are more aggressive and determined. A lazy journalist can’t work in Lagos. You have to struggle to get stories.  Some people demand for money before they grant interview.
Unlike in some places where people live without minding any security implications, Lagosians are more security conscious and suspicious. I will not forget how i paid for security guards, and security for the gate in our street and many more.
Despite its challenges Lagos will remain indelible in mind. I cherish its diversity. It has become memorable. Hence, I will miss it forever and ever.