My Love Affair with Lagos, Nigeria
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My parents come from Nigeria and gave birth to me in London. Even though my secondary Education was in Nigeria, I have spent most of my life in the UK. I visit Lagos, Nigeria at least once a year and keep in touch with what is happening in the Country.
Nigeria is the most Popular country in Africa. Billions of dollars have been generated in the production of oil in Nigeria and it would probably have been the richest country in Africa, if Politicians in power didn’t deposit millions of dollars into Personal Accounts abroad. This has all stopped now and the economy is growing.
Nigeria is an interesting Country and I would like to share some interesting things about life in Lagos - one of the states in Nigeria. (which used to be the Capital) Hopefully, a few things you didn’t know.
A woman being Sprayed
Spraying
During Celebrations, in parties it is the tradition to Spray people with money. This means when you are dancing, people put notes of currency on your forehead or the neck. It’s put on the head, note by note and if it’s a big celebration, there will be a member of the family who will have a box/bag to collect the money because many people could be spraying you at the same time and it starts dropping on the floor. Nigerians are very good dancers – both men and women, young and old, know how to shake it.
Fashion
Nigerians definitely have an eye for fashion. The Traditonal wear is lovely and colourful. Both men and women look very elegant. Traditional clothes are actually sewn out of various materials. The material is bought and given to a Tailor to design. There are also lots of Fashion Designers who make lovely designs and exhibit them in their shops to sell. Jeans is very popular especially amongst youth, but nothing beats the Traditional attire.
Its also customary for a husband and wife to wear the same material, if they are going out for a social event. Example, See photo below. (looks like hubby and wife are being sprayed)
The Film Industry
Nigeria has a good film industry and make their own films. According to CNN, Nigeria has a multi-billion dollar movie industry, churning out some 200 "home videos" every month to become the third largest in the world after the United States and India. Most of the films are based on situations that happen in real life and have great story lines. It’s very popular and now has satellite channels that just show only Nollywood movies. The industry has grown trememdously.
Polygamy
Nigeria is a country full of Christians and muslims and lots of men have more than one wife. The first being the Senior wife and the last (if more than two) the Junior Wife. I honestly don't know how these guys cope with more than one wife and how the wives cope with themselves. The word "competition" comes to mind. I just want to be the only sugar in my hubby's tea. (lol)
Weight Issues
There is no pressure in Nigeria for women to be slim or a size zero. Infact people prefer robust women. Most times when I travel, the first thing my mum does after hugging the daylights out of me, is to comment that I am not eating. So, these days, before I travel, I go on a crash diet of Burgers, cakes, ice cream etc.
Food
There are various types of food. Rice dishes, beans, plantain, peppersoup with different types of meat, Yam. The food is very tasty and spicy. There are also big departmental stores where you can buy foreign food. So if you want things like burgers, cheese, baked beans etc. you can find it there.
Talking about food, my mum always likes to buy certain food for me to take when I return to the UK. Well, the last time as usual she packed some food in my hand luggage (dried African food). On arrival at Heathrow Airport, the announcement was made in the plane that people were not allowed to bring food into the Country and there would be a Fine. Well, fancy telling us as we were landing. I panicked so much that I decided to turn myself in and apologise. There were also dogs sniffing bags which wasn’t helping matters.
Anyway, as I approached someone who looked like an Immigration or Security Officer, I was about to tell him and he looked at me and said “please walk along”. Well, I bolted along - Narrow escape!
Tinubu Square, Lagos
Environment
Contrary to what is shown on Television programs about Africa, Lagos is a beautiful place and the Government are doing a lot to improve it. The pictures in the slide show were taken in Lagos, this year – 2009.
So, hopefully you now know something new about Lagos.
Also Read: My Love Affair with India
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Comments
The pictures are beautiful and you have given me some great information. I think I would like to visit Nigeria in the future. I like the idea of a husband and wife dressing alike. It looks cute and it will prevent someone from hitting your spouse and then claiming ignorance.
Before I say anything let me say that - I love the idea of spraying! - and would like to figure out some way to incorporate that here. Fabulous! And the twin towers - great!
My cousin went to Nigeria some years ago and he still talks about it! I'll get there soon. Although I have traveled a bit on the continent (Senegal, Morocco, etc. I haven't gotten there but will).
When I taught my students about environmental issues some years ago they were fascinated to learn about Nigeria and Ken Saro-Wiwa, and America's role aka Shell in its destruction. In fact they loved learning about the wealth of the continent!
I'm glad you shared this - and hope you will share more when you can.
Thank You!
I was unaware of Nigerian movie industry and even surprised to know its the third largest in the world.I would love to know that what percentage of Nigerian men love to put extra sugar on tea.:)
Thank you.
This is great! I didn't know I already had two Nigerian hubber friends, but I do! FieryDJ has been inflaming my imagination with the beauties and mysteries of the country, and now you, Lady E.
I love the beautiful traditional dress. I can see that women are combining Western fashion with the spectacular traditional turban, how smart!
I wish your country a bright happy future, LadyE.
Thank you for a lovely hub.
Thanks for sharing this hub Lady E! Nigeria and Lagos, in particular seem like a wonderful place to visit. I agree with your comment about the sugar in your husband's tea. lol. I am also available for 'spraying' if anyone feels the urge! Thanks again!
Lady E
Thank you for sharing. You have captured some beautiful moments and scenery. Beautiful fabrics as well...
I think you are also very wise; wanting to be "the only sugar in your hubby's tea":-)
Blessings
Very interesting hub. I have friends form Nigeria.
Thanks everyone for your lovely, funny comments.
** Cheers Dohn. That must have been some party. :)
** Lol Pete. I agree, it would prevent people from hitting on other people's spouses. :)
** Wow, BkCreative. So you have quite an insight into some African Countries through your travelling. I hope I can do this too. I have hardly travelled round Africa.:)
** Lol Andromida, its quite a high percentage. Maybe 40%. :)
** Cheers Rosario, you are right and its quite trendy the way they are mixing it with western Fashion. I was hoping to post some pics of me in Traditional wear but can't find them. :)
** RSMallory, I wll let you knwow of any future "spraying sesson" lol.
** Thanks DeBorrah. Lol. There should always be a special bond b/w hubby and wife. I don't see how one man can have that special bond with many women. :)
** Lovely to meet you Vladimir. I hope those Nigerian friends are taking care of you. :)
Wonderful story and pictures. Spraying, now that is a good idea. The Spanish, at weddings, will pin the brides dress with money in all denominations.
Seems your government is no different from the USA’s Government; self serving and greedy!
What a beautiful hub. I knew that I would love it, after your UK hub. First, I loved, as everyone did the spraying part. Also I didn't know about the movie industry. Is there anyway we can see some of these movies, and are they in the native language, or sub titled? And lastly, but not least, what a beautiful country. Unfortunately, we mostly associate any country in Africa with what we see on TV, and that's too bad. Thanks for shedding a different light on Africa. I now have a burning desire to visit Nigeria.
Great Hub -very interesting. I like the fashion and Nigeria seems like an exciting and fun place
Lady_E - I actually live and work in Lagos, Nigeria. This hub is very informative. Infact, I love this hub with the nice pictures. The issue of spraying money during parties have been outlawed, though people still do it moderately as no one has been arrested so far. Nigeria is indeed a beautiful country. Lagos is now wearing a new and better look. There are so many transformations. The issue of polygamy is an African thing and muslim culture, though people are gradually realising that it is not easy coping with the demands of many wives, many children etc. Take good care yourself.
Thanks again everyone for taking time to visit and comment.
** Cheers Nancy, Oh, I would love to go to a Spanish Wedding. I bet its really interesting with a lot of laughter. :)
** Thanks Fastfreta, if you go to: http://www.nigeriafilms.com/ and click on the movie Tab, you can preview films before buying. Most films are in English. Some are in another Language with subtitles but you will find the English ones easier to watch. :)
** Thanks Isabel, hope you get to visit some day. :)
** Cheers Philipo. I wonder why the Government did that. It's a tradition that's been going on for years and years. Even in London, people spray in pounds or dollars. Polygamy is predominantly Muslim, but I know a few "christians" who have 2 wives. My Uncle being one of them . He was a very wealthy influential man in Lagos but sadly his wives sent him to the grave early. (You know how it is - Juju etc.) Anyway, I hope you enjoy your work in Lagos. Best Wishes, E.
Lady_E - i believe the government's action was for the good of the Naira. People spray money in parties and every step and dance on the money. At the end of the day we have so much dirty money everywhere. It was said then that the cost of printing was so high. Polygamy has much disadvantages. I still wonder the joy of having many wives with much headache. Working in Lagos is great and stressful. Thanks a lot.
very nice article nice pictures
Ha ha ha ha E Boo, now everybody wants to be sprayed...how about if I told them that since the Federal Government placed a ban of spraying Naira notes at social events, now rich Nigerians have resorted to spraying Dollar notes...now, talk about swag!!!! LOL...You make me proud, E, I'm glad you made this hub...we need more of these hubs to really show the beauty of our nation...
@Rosa...now you know, gurl...
@dohn...wouldn't ya...
@andromida...you should check out my hub on Nollywood: the Nigerian movie industry...it really is something!
@Pete...hey, you're so right...you see a couple in the same attire...you dont even come close...he he he
he he he this hub has me so excited, I'm acting like replying to everyone like it was written by me. Must stop now...Its all your fault, E...big hugs!!!
Thanks so much Lgali. Hope you visit someday. :)
@ Fiery
Hi Special, well that's interesting. If I get married in Nigeria they'd better be spraying me with £50 notes. lol.
I'm glad you like it and don't worry about replying to everyone in the Hub. It's a pleasure to have your comments.
Cheers :)
One of my closest friends is from Nigeria (Ojimadu Okuru) and he paints a similar picture of Nigeria which is totally diferent from what is potrayed in the national media. I plan to visit the country with him on his next trip home.
Thanks for sharing
Great piece of art work combination! I certainly admire your well organized and arranged hub page. I'm impressed.
Thanks Jxb7076 - I agree with you the Press just like to paint a bad picture of Africa. Some people believe that all Africans live in huts built on muddy grounds. I hope you enjoy your visit when you go. :)
Cheers Success79 - Lovely to read from you. :)
what a beautiful hub,though i come from nigeria,ilove the pictures, beautiful.
Thanks for your comments Yusuf. Going by your name, you are from the Northern Part of Nigeria? Nagode. :)
Lady E, you did justice to the subject.
I am proud of Nigerians who stand up tall.
Good neighbourliness, family spirit, and hospitality are the hallmark of Nigerians.
Thanks for sharing.
i love to hear about the different cultures and traditions around the world.it is those things that make us unique and interesting....thx 4 share
Nigeria is a great country. Am proud to be a Nigeria
dohn121 says:
3 months ago
What great photos, Lady_E! I like that part about "spraying." I've not heard of it before (however, when I was in a fraternity in college and after hosting a party for a sorority, I did wake up on my bed with money everywhere...And I do mean everywhere!) It just reminded me of that! Great hub again! I look forward to visiting you more often!