Every dawn in Africa, a gazelle wakes with the knowledge that it must outpace the swiftest lion or meet its demise. Similarly, a lion rises, aware that it must surpass the slowest gazelle or face starvation. Regardless of whether you’re the lion or the gazelle, when the sun ascends, you’d best be sprinting.
I’m utterly convinced that the spirited essence of Christopher McDougall’s “Born to Run” book must have been inspired by just a few whirlwind months soaked in the colorful tumult of Lagos. This city beats with a relentless rhythm that’s palpable in every corner—from the teeming streets to the vibrant ‘danfo’ buses, zippy ‘keke Napep,’ and the daring ‘Okada’ motorbikes zigzagging through traffic, all testament to the city’s indomitable spirit. The one delightful exception? The weekend ‘owambe’ parties, where the usual high-octane tempo mellows into exuberant revelry.
Yet, there’s more to Lagos than meets the eye.
It’s all too easy to forge sweeping generalizations about the people and lifestyle of a city, region, or continent. We often resort to broad, oversimplified descriptors that barely scratch the surface of a community’s true essence. Whether defined by race, ethnicity, religion, or a myriad of other arbitrary categories, these labels confine individuals to narrow boxes. Imagine, instead, devoting that time to connecting with these very people, appreciating the rich tapestry of experiences they offer.
Each person’s experience in Lagos is a unique mosaic—some parts radiant, others gritty, and a few that blend both in a harmoniously chaotic tableau. You can’t distill the life stories of Lagosians into mere words; you must engage with them directly to grasp the depth of their experiences.
In Lagos, your day-to-day encounters are shaped by a confluence of factors: location, age, social interests, income bracket, and your overarching outlook on life. Predominantly, your financial status will dictate these aspects; it influences where you reside, your social activities, your worldview, and even how others perceive your age. Wealthy individuals, whether young or seasoned, often earn the affectionate title of ‘Chairman.’
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Sometimes, it’s worth taking a step back to truly appreciate the complexities of this dynamic city.
