Centre of Excellence

Hundreds of vehicles moving at a slow pace or none at all, bumper to bumper all on a straight line graced the beautiful uneven soil of Lagos daily. In its heart lies a long bridge which demarcates the rich from the poor; the water logged areas from the dry land as well. The endless blaring of car horns, cries of desperate traders trying to sell off their merchandise, fumes from exhaust pipes which are her signature scent, awakens you to the reality of the main land- the dry land.

 

Third Mainland Bridge

An iyabeji with a child strapped to her back and another firmly held in her arms, singing praise songs and dancing, goes around begging for money in the marketplace. They say it is to appease the gods. Ori ibeji, as they call it. Some generous market women give her a token, others just ignore. She continues her chants notwithstanding. The crawling beggars tugging at the hem of your garments cupping their hands in expectation of a token are not so uncommon either. Their incoherent chants fill your ears as you walk past major roads on the main land. ‘Aunty see I have fine fine shirts for sale, c-orr- rect pencil skirts, jeans -any one u like” welcomes you as you walk past another part of the mainland at night. Excessively tugging and flaunting of wares across your face as they try to advertise their second hand goods.

Yaba Market

Unevenness of the road and traffic jam are friends of the main land. They are like 5 & 6. The cause of this traffic jam is what no one has a specific answer to. Most major roads are filled with deep holes either abandoned by the government or the money given to repair the roads had been consumed by some fat bellied contractor. Traffic lights placed on major roads are rarely obeyed by those yellow buses with black stripes. Danfo buses! Rugged vehicles with old, sad, rusty engines occupy the street of Lagos; the commonest means of transportation for all species of the human race. The aggressive chants of ‘Oshodi! Health centre! Yaba yaba! Sabo Oyingbo ‘by hungry looking conductors accompanies these buses. The conductor calls passengers attention by mentioning its destination and the rush for a space in the bus begins. Red or Blue long and big vehicles, bigger than the danfo buses are also seen on the road. BRT buses are named by the government are only found in Lagos. A more refined means of transportation than the danfo; passengers enter orderly by means of a ticket rendered at the special BRT bus stands. Another means of transportation found on Lagos roads are the motorcycles fondly called okadas by all. A two -seater vehicle -the rider and a passenger, which has been turned to 3-seater sometimes 4 sef by Lagosians is the fastest means on transportation She can boast of. Traffic jams or light has got nothing on it.

Lagos streets are characterized by jostle, hustle and bustle. There is never a moment of either rest or

silence, as everyone is seen rushing from one place to the other; noise from fast moving okadas, shouts of “ewo le pelu change” from the bus conductors or from one Yoruba man/woman making a phone call in a loud voice. Even in the dead of nights, there is never a moment of silence. Sounds from I better pass my neighbour generators blast the air fiercely.

Wooden structures become visible as you move from the mainland to the island. Canoes built by people residing in those structures lay lazily on the water. The “eguns” as they commonly called reside on water. They consist mostly of fishermen and fish mongers. Some are fortunate enough to learn trades like sewing, hair dressing and the likes. 

 

Makoko

Tarred roads, cars moving in a seemingly matured manner, obeying traffic lights religiously, welcomes you to the other side of the long bridge- an island with twin sisters; Lagos Island and

Victoria Island. A cluster of skyscrapers and beautiful buildings grace her peaceful land. An amazing view of the still waters completes the perfect picture. Blessed with lagoons and beaches, the island is often referred to as the “London of Lagos”. The orderly manner in which the usually lousy bus drivers conduct themselves is quite amusing. Being conscious of the facts that they are in a refined area, the aggressive chants from the conductors are often suppressed till they get back to their comfort zone – the mainland. Most of the expensive and exquisite hotels in Lagos are located on the island. They are usually characterized by a beautiful view of the sea, delicious western food and high

price charges.  Boasting of one of the best roads Lagos has, expensive vehicles are mostly founds on its roads. The presence of Okadas is not really felt on the island. The island is a place for the highly placed occupants of Lagos. She boasts of the largest market in Lagos and one of the largest in Nigeria.

Thanks to the street lights, the island has a breathtaking view at nights. You would almost forget you are in Lagos and think you are overseas; a drive down to the mainland will jolt you back to reality.

Victoria Island

 Photo credits: Google Images