I’ve Heard Somethings About Lagos
My Passing Thoughts While I'm in and out of Lagos
I hear that Lagos is the hub and centre of it all
That the media and tech scene is booming here
That the creatives and literary stars meet and come alive here
That this is where the entertainment is at
Where the musicians sing and where the actors act
That when you’ve got the naira to spend, the Island is where you’d be frivolous at.
Yes, I’ve heard some things about Lagos!
But then I hear the traffic is unbearable as it takes hours to get to one place
That the lifestyle is fast-paced and busy and some want to take it more slowly…
And then I read that nearly all the men in Lagos Are Mad!
Yes, I’ve heard some things about Lagos.
And I’ve been to Lagos quite a few times
But my stay here has always been so brief as I meet Lagos and leave Lagos quite so quickly.
A day in transit to Abuja.
Or those past three days at a work conference and then back home
Lagos always feels so distant but I’d really like to know more.
And if I could immerse myself in it, what a fun time to be had.
First, I’d walk across the bridge at the Lekki Conservation Centre
Then, I’d learn about our history during the Slave Trade Tour
After, I’d put on a short floral dress and head to Landmark Beach where I can put my feet on the sand and then get close to the actual water.
And I’d look up at the light blue sky and take a deep breath
Then with an exhale, I’d walk back, sit down, open my book and get lost
But these are passing thoughts I have while I’m in and out of Lagos
Because before I know it, I’m rolling a suitcase and I’m on a one-hour flight back home
Back to Abuja where I’ve grown used to
Back to Abuja where I grew up in and the memories here take me back to a simple upbringing.
Girls in red checkered shirts tucked into blue skirts
Boys in red checkered shirts tucked into blue trousers
Each morning, we say a prayer in English and Hausa under the bright sun
Then we move into the classrooms
After class is over, we run to the lady at the back of the school to buy her fried yams with pepper on top
Those good old days in Abuja!
Yes, Abuja where I grew up in
Yes, Abuja where I came back to when the winter felt harsh and I needed a taste of home
Yes, Abuja where I missed the comfort of family
Yes, Abuja where I enjoyed the home-cooked meals
Yes, Abuja where I got some rest
Yes, Abuja which sparked a little fire in me to write more and to begin to create something new.
Yes, Abuja where I brought us together for some discussions on change
Yes, Abuja where I came back to and grew up some more again.
Yes, Abuja that opened me up but then broke me and then changed me and after, actually really healed me!
As I walk through Millennium Park, I take it all in
I look at that beautiful big green tree and I smile
Yes, Abuja is really quite something!
Quiet and free and I’ve always felt at peace here
Peace within its parks and nature where I love to dwell and admire.
Abuja is home but I tell you; I’ve heard some things about Lagos!