Lagos State is a state in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Of the 36 states, it is both the most populous and smallest in area. Bounded to the west by the international border with Benin Republic. Lagos State borders Ogun State to the east and north making it the only Nigerian state to border only one other state. Lagos city is the most populous city in Africa. It is also the economy hub of the country. Source
It is believed across the country, that if you want to be known and successful in whatever it is you're doing, move to and stay in Lagos. Lagos is surrounded by waters making it to have the island part (for the very rich and elite) and the mainland part( for the average and common man).
One of these rainy days, I travelled around Lagos Mainland (Abule Egba to Berger) and witness a lot of interesting things, which I'd like to show you guys.
I woke up on this particular day, prepared my self, got dressed and left home at exactly 6:15am in order to beat the traffic that must have been built up by people, from all parts of the state, trying to get to work before 8am. Since I didn't have any time to keep up with, I wasn't in a rush to get to where I was headed, so I took my time walking to the bus stop.
I got to the bus stop, I didn't wait for long before a tricycle with 2 vacant spaces parked by me, and I hopped in. It was headed to Agege, which was where I'd get a bus to Berger. As I had predicted, the road was already busy, shops were opening and people were already resuming their businesses.
The drive to Agege, which was supposed to last for 14-16 mins lasted for 21 mins due to traffic lights stops and slight traffic.
When I got there, the day had become brighter and the number of people had multiplied too. The road sweepers had resumed their duty already. Each and everyone trying to get their respective businesses. The distance amongst the pedestrians was so close that a two-second pause from anyone will lead to a collision.
One thing I love about Lagos is that, despite being rough due to its large population, there is orderliness in the car park.
The park at Agege made sure anyone that wants to board a bus must be on queue, if not, you won't be allowed to enter any bus. But on this particular day, there was a twist. I was on the queue as usual and business was moving fine, until two arrived at the park at the same time. We started going into the bus in order of queue, then Mr X from the middle of the queue broke the line and entered the second bus, the others behind him followed.
The people in front of Mr X (category where I fell), thinking they may not meet up with the first bus and may as well lose the second bus, became furious and decided to fight for their right, in the process everything became rough and it became "all man for himself". As a "sharp" Lagos boy, after a lot of struggle I smuggled myself in the bus and secured my seat.
The trip was traffic free so it lasted for just 17 mins. I got to Berger, did what I was there for and left there around past 7pm at night.
I got to the park and saw a bus with 2 passengers. So, I got in and waited for the bus to get its remaining 4 passengers. The bus did not get filled up until past 8pm (1 hour wait). The driver started the bus and we left the garage at approximately 8:30pm. Believe me when I say the traffic we encountered was the right definition for standstill. Like, nothing was moving. I unconsciously prayed for a jet or something to carry me away from the spot our bus was because I was tired and stressed.
One of the things that kept me busy was the busy state of the city, my phone was low on battery, so I had no choice than to sightsee. What I observed was that, despite the fact that it was late, everywhere was lighted and shops were still very much opened.
Ranging from food sellers, pharmacies, malls, filling stations and so much more. Even the dimly lighted shops were still opened too. This hardworking spirit of the Lagos people is one of the reasons it's difficult no to make it big in Lagos.
After hours of sitting in the bus and sightseeing, the bus finally got to my destination and I alighted, tired and stressed. I took a bike that dropped me in front of my house. I got home at exactly 10:38pm.
After my eventful day, I came to the conclusion that, "Lagos is not for the weak".
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Love♥️ and light💡,
Kikiola.
