I was in Lagos yesterday and I could help but get drenched in the Lagos spirit which is characterized by stress--which often means spending a stupendous amount of time in traffic commuting from one point to another. I was irritated by the sheer amount of time Lagosians waste hassling in this glorified ghetto.
I have lived in Lagos all my life. I only recently moved to Ibadan and I can say the quality of my life has improved drastically, coupled with my orientation. The people here in Ibadan are more relaxed and family-oriented. I have been living in this city for the past one year and I have never been stuck in traffic for an hour, never.
My problem with Lagos isn't just traffic. There is also the case of too many people fighting for a tiny space. I almost had a panic attack while walking on the streets of lagos. There are just so many people--most suffering and smiling--pursuing the Lagos dream. It is very easy to liken this hellhole to paradise because of its supposed glamour and prestige, but there is little to nothing for the average Lagosian.
There is a saying that Lagos is a place where people make money and never leave with it. Most people spend their lifetime working without having anything tangible to show for it. I know people who have been in the same space doing the same thing for the last 15 years and nothing has changed for them. You know, time alludes to people consciously. Today you're young with prospects and in a twinkle of an eye all that vanishes. This is the epitome of the Lagos dream.
I do find it strange why everyone wants to be in Lagos. I understand Lagos is remotely beautiful and most of the important people in Nigeria are here, but you can make it elsewhere. Maybe this is coming from a place of privilege. I do not fully grasp the reality of the average Lagosian because I do not live off $50 monthly in one of the world's most expensive slums. I understand what Lagos means to the middle class, but it is too hefty a price to pay for luxury.
I don't need Lagos and Lagos doesn't need me. It's quite unfortunate that I might be relocating back to this dreaded place if my partner doesn't get a job offer here in Ibadan. A small price I would have to pay for love. Even at that, I will still be immune to the reality of working in Lagos.
I am sorry Lagosian for dragging your glorified dustbin of a city. Anyone who has lived outside this hellhole would share my sentiment. Lagos is a place to visit, not a place to live. If you think otherwise kindly make your argument in the comment section. Cheers!
Whoever have stayed in Lagos will not fear hell in the last days. From overpopulation to high inflation, to some places dirty that even by mere looking you will feel infected by virus to very unpredictable traffic congestion.
Despite Lagos is a sweet city, the disadvantages of living here is more than its advantage.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
what is sweet about lagos? well, it all boils down to lifestyle. there is no greater joy than knowing I can move freely in my city without traffic. Plus even the policing outside lagos is less; even power (in certain regions).
😂😂.. it's the sarcasm in this line for me.
But I'd like to put it this way, Lagos is not really a place for people who are still struggling to make money. It is a place for people who have gotten there already and there's nothing more to do than sustain you source of income, which in mist cases the sustainability can be done from home with their laptops.
Don't get me wrong but the people living on the islands won't feel the same pain as the people living on the mainlands... If you know what I mean?
I think the island is the worst. Oversized houses; overpriced restaurants. there is nothing special about the island (asides from the water that I like).
For someone like me, I can stay in lagos comfortable, but it is really not worth it. I have no reason to be there.
If you say so dear one.
Just like you, I’ve lived in Lagos all my life but then school happened and I’ve been in Owerri since 2019 and never for once have I had to fight just to get into a commercial vehicle.
I remember going back to Lagos to go visit the family after about two years in Owerri, that was when I saw the difference. Without a doubt I automatically knew Lagos was sharing a border with Hell.
That is the thing lagosians don't understand. it takes getting out of this toxic environment to know better. Owerri is a cool place. One of the few places I can live in Nigeria (since that is my native town)
I chose violence...
Lagos is too fast paced for me. I visited once and fell sick
this was me last week. I just wanted to leave immediately. The traffic; the suffering of 9-5ers...everything was too much to process.
Most people believe there are more job opportunities in Lagos than anywhere in Nigeria which is true but still this doesn't mean a person can't make it living in other states in Nigeria. I am presently staying in Ogun state and there are jobs for people to choose from but nowadays people don't want to work anymore they just want to get money in a blink of an eye.
there are opportunities everywhere. One just needs to look. Yes, lagos is the economic hub of the nation but It is saturated. most of the people there don't need to be there. lagos will be a scary place to live in the coming years given the high population and poverty rate. money won't be able to insulate the rich from what's coming.