Having to catch a first flight out of Lagos, I had to hit the road by 5am to ensure I got to the airport in time to avoid hearing stories that touch the heart. As the cab driver got on the expressway, I could not help but notice that the roads were already busy at that time. While the driver and I discussed about the traffic situation, I thought about my experience spending unnecessary time commuting to and from work. Luckily, I do not need to leave for work at 5am each day; however, for many Lagosians, leaving after 5am increases their odds of getting to work late.
Continue reading “Counting the Cost of Lagos Traffic”Tag: Society
When Privilege Comes Knocking
“Count your blessings, name them one by one;
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done”
The quote above is from a popular Christian hymn, “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman Jnr, however, fear not; this is not a proselytising article. The hymn just kept ringing in my head as I picked up my laptop to compose this article. I’m typing this article at the twilight of Good Friday 2019, influenced by four key events from the receding week.
Continue reading “When Privilege Comes Knocking”Still Washing Pigs
After reading my last article on issues affecting Port Harcourt, a certain friend of mine called me to discuss the main ideas in the article. In a one hour-plus WhatsApp call, this Nigerian “externally displaced” in the United States, made the point that my article was trying to solve a problem by complaining about the symptoms. Whereas I did not necessarily agree with his entire viewpoint, a key idea stood out—his application of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son to events in Nigeria and Africa. Continue reading “Still Washing Pigs”
Much Ado About Seat Belts
I have had this article on my mind for a while but I just never came around to composing my thoughts until now. In checking for a quote to launch this article, I came across one attributed to Plato, which I think captures my aim for this article.
“No law or ordinance is mightier than understanding”
Losers and Fraudulent Nairas
With the exception of societies that thrive on depravity, many “normal” societies try to enforce some form of ethical codes. These societies do not only put behavioural rules for their people; they put in place environments that engender such desired behaviour. Coming to the Nigerian society, we mouth mantras about good behaviour, but then go to great lengths to create an environment where defrauding one another seems best for business. Continue reading “Losers and Fraudulent Nairas”