The Runs Culture

I made this shirt for laughs a couple of months ago. When I wore it in Lagos I received a mixed bag of responses so I thought I would discuss the phenomena jokes aside.

Please note runs activities are not limited to females alone. 

To be frank, the phenomena is nothing new it has been occurring across the globe since time began. It has however evolved in terms of what those engaging in it consider it to be.

In today's world, we are shrouded in a climate of uncertainty hence a demand for multiple streams of income. We also have a growing selection of lifestyle choices and wish to consume more than ever before. For some to achieve this, the aristo phenomena serves as a perfect solution.

Definition

The term 'aristo' originates from the term Aristocrat.
Aristocrat: A privileged, primarily hereditary ruling class, or a form of government controlled by an elite. Traditionally aristocrats had large concentrations of wealth, high social status, and political influence.

Viewing the definition it is pretty obvious why Nigerians use the term when referring to individuals who engage in transactional sex. Escorts and call girls are not exempt. Some may deem one more derogatory than the other but in hindsight they all fall under the umbrella of prostitution - on the grounds that individuals use their bodies as a commodity in exchange for material gains or monetary gifts.

It is not uncommon in Lagos. Go to any nightclub and you will see they are writhing with 'runs girls' the classy and local alike who label themselves as hustlers. For those on the receiving end (who are usually married), it's simply a way of life.

The Driving Force 

My initial belief was that individuals who engaged in transactional sex saw it as a means to an end you know, kind of like their last resort. I read of sex workers in Thailand and Gambia, few possessed tertiary level qualifications and the majority of clients were holiday makers.

On the flip-side it appears an increasing number of females educated to tertiary level and beyond are choosing to sell their bodies behind closed doors. With reference to British-born Nigerians in particular, some have relocated to Lagos and become 'big girls' using their proceeds to establish a range of entrepreneurial ventures from salons, to boutiques, cosmetic lines, and real estate companies. I hear some indulge for a fixed period until they have made enough to achieve a set of goals, some alongside a nine to five to supplement their income, and others to fund school fees.

What I found most interesting though was the individuals who appeared to be from affluent families. They didn't need to sell their bodies but still did in exchange for shopping trips, the latest phone or a vacation. That made me question if they were genuinely from well off backgrounds, or if they just did it for the thrill? Perhaps they didn't want to be seen as a liability relying on parents for financial assistance. Maybe they felt too proud to ask.

But...

If you possess multiple degrees then subject yourself to the same activities as an individual who did not have access to higher education, that defeats the whole object of your schooling. It’s better for you to not have any form of tertiary education and choose to live a certain lifestyle because of the impression that there is no other way out, rather than make a conscious choice to sell your body to obtain a certain lifestyle, bearing in mind that attending university is not only supposed to provide a qualification but a stepping stone to employment, cultural exposure and some form of enlightenment.

Is It Sustainable?

The oil market in Nigeria recently went through a rocky patch and I'm not quite sure if that patch is completely over. Friends who had shares in the commodity were not amused and I'm glad that corporations have finally received their rude awakening, realising that oil production is not sustainable. Why? Because Crude oil is a fossil fuel and fossil fuels are a non- renewable energy source that cannot be replaced and will eventually be depleted.

In the same way, prostitution in itself can never provide a sustainable income. I remember getting my hair done at a salon opposite a hotel, in a public display, it looked like the manager was chastising one of the girls for rent she was owing. The girl pleaded 'I no get customer now, no market...I tire'.

You can generate quick income from prostitution but it will probably be used for consuming more material items or lodging at five-star international hotels. Some are lucky enough to get their rent paid for a year and bag a jeep in the process, although I do wonder if these individuals stop to ask themselves 'what am I actually gaining from this?'

I hear of UK graduates turning down retail jobs because they are viewed as low-status or not linked to their subject of study. However, there a number of decent paying retail jobs with worthy progression prospects take; John Lewis or NET- A- PORTER for example. On the other hand, the economic market in Nigeria is harsh, there only the fittest survive but if you have a vision and persevere you can make your dreams a reality (just ask Linda Ikeji)
I am aware that graduate employment is an issue in both in the developed and developing world but how much does it cost to develop a business plan?

Racial Ideals In The Twenty First Century

After reading the disgraceful article online regarding allegations of racial discrimination by club DSTRKT in London I was appalled. In 2015, we still live in a world full of discrimination.
Whether overt or covert it is still happening.
If you have not read the 'yellow fever' post which I wrote a few months ago please check it out, it was based on an interesting experience I had whilst working at an inner London secondary school.
I don't have much to say on the topic except the fact that the promoter, his line manager, boss, in fact, his whole team along with the rest of society and mass media are the sole reason why women of colour feel pressurised to purchase bleaching creams to alter their natural skin tones. It's just absurd. I am aware that image is important especially when clubbing in a high profile area of the west end. But come on let's face it, a promoter telling someone their friends are denied entry into a club because they are overweight, then indirectly stating because they are too dark is absolute rubbish.

This just proves everything written in the 'yellow fever' post correct, I am going to post the image I shared once again and I hope the whole of the DSTRKT team see this, along with any other club that upholds this backwards entry policy. Below is an excerpt of a stereotype for a black female posted by an individual online. My sister sent it to me... It is clear that DSTRKT has adopted and perpetuated this same view of black women.

During the slave trade era, fairer skinned slaves with European features received preferential treatment, unlike their dark counterparts. Their offspring were also favoured and had better life chances. Black was seen as an unclean evil, whilst white was seen as pure and angelic.

But wait a minute as my pupils would say 'I swear slavery ended time ago?' well yes, It was abolished in 1833 so why has this sickening white idealist mentally still reigning 182 years later?

Although the white Ideal also exists in Nigeria (as a result of the colonial era) racism is something I could never experience.

I recently bumped into an old neighbour on the train, middle-aged white woman. From my brief chats with her at my apartment, she was warm, friendly, and always willing to assist. We greeted one another exchanging pleasantries, some small talk then she asked what I was doing with myself.
I responded saying I worked in a school. She immediately said 'oh you're a TA then' I replied I'm a teacher. She paused... 'Oh really? so your not a TA then?' I said no I teach Geography. She looked surprised. 'In a primary school?'  I replied I actually teach secondary and sixth form. She paused again.... 'well that's good to hear'. It was her stop, we said a brief goodbye... I haven't seen her since.

Bearing in mind communication is seventy percent non-verbal, by the looks and sound of it, she didn't expect me to be anything more than a teaching assistant.

Now my question is if I was Caucasian would she have responded the same way?

Spirit Of Lagos

It is 9:50 am, the sun is shrouded by a blanket of mist, the air is thick and sticky.
I enter the school compound and head towards the classrooms shaking the dust from my sandals. The first set of classes are about rounding up, I am due to begin my workshop in roughly ten minutes. I gently rub my bottom, the Danfo I took this morning had its benches stripped bare and it was a bumpy ride, to say the least.

I open my laptop bag preparing to set up. The projector and screen are brought in with the multi-socket. All of a sudden, I’m nervous… anxious… I feel a drop of sweat trickle from my left armpit to the hem of my bra. The pupils enter the classroom one by one.
The benches fill slowly then out of nowhere additional chairs and tables appear. The dust from all the movement begins to settle, there are roughly ninety-five pupils packed into a classroom that would normally take a maximum of thirty students back in the UK. I’m working at three times my usual classroom capacity.

Ready to begin, the first slide of my presentation titled ‘What is bullying?’ is up.  I await the generator… A prolonged pause… Another pause... There is some confusion… The generator won’t start… My slides are up, ninety-five pairs of eyes are fixated glaring at me… Chatter soon breaks out. Three minutes… Five minutes, they are getting restless… I exit round the back to find out what is happening… The mathematics teacher explains that there is a fault with the generator… It won’t start however, they have called the engineer who is on his way. Whilst we await the engineer two other volunteers attempt to rectify the problem… thirty minutes on, no luck.

The engineer arrives and begins work, I do not see him because I'm in the classroom drawing up a brainstorm on the blackboard. A few minutes later I hear a loud guzzling noise… The generator starts and boy for the first time in my life am I happy to hear the sound of one.

I progress through the presentation sweating like crazy, I feel like an animated doll. I have to remember my accent – some pupils struggle to grasp my English tonation. The presentation was a success… It’s lunchtime… I send for the engineer, I wish to thank him. A volunteer beckons a young boy who comes forward and greets me.

Meet Abdul, a nine-year-old generator technician locally known as the engineer. When I set eyes on him my jaw dropped. I was stunned. He could not have been more than four foot three inches in height.
I thank him, he collects his two hundred naira and proceeds towards the school gate. As he strides away I ask another volunteer about him, apparently he’s an orphan. At the age of six, his carers took him to their local electrician to begin work as an apprentice... three years on he can diagnose and resolve any generator issue within a few minutes. I don’t know about you but I think that’s bloody amazing. Now as a full-time apprentice for that last three years, I would assume that Abdul has probably never been to school, despite this, he is certainly the most talented child I have ever met. Abdul was exposed to dangers on a daily basis yet he survived and was earning a living. I try to comprehend his livelihood for a moment and I feel sad for him (as a teacher, of course, I want every child to attend school) but at the same time I am happy, happy because he was both my hero, and inspiration AND I was almost certain that he had a bright future ahead of him regardless.

I remember going to meet my father at the airport in Lagos one morning. I left my hotel shortly after 5am.

I was moaning about not having a good night’s sleep (as us Brits do.) The Danfo we took was full two stops after we boarded. Along the trip, we passed what appeared to be a marketplace. It was still dark but it was busy, sellers placed mobile lamps on the floor beside their goods.
Heaps of shoes, clothing, and handbags lay in piles spread out on large sheets. Hawkers holding containers of hats, sunglasses, babygrows, watches, and belts paced up and down chanting. One particular hawker caught my eye and said ‘aunty come and buy’ raising a set of bras LOL I was half asleep… I reflect on it thinking these people probably had no more than four to five hours rest before having to wake up and prepare for the day ahead. Oh, and for those reading from the UK, your average Lagosian is up from 4am just to beat traffic and arrive to work for a 9am start.

Anyway, instead of reading this you actually need to come and see the way people live out here in Lagos. The work ethic is out of this world! I know it may seem biased being a Nigerian myself, nevertheless, I’m convinced that Nigerians have the strongest work ethic on the planet. The Chinese and Indians follow pretty closely behind.

I feel blessed to have met little Abdul. It makes me wonder how rates of depression and suicide in the developed world are increasing, yet a nine-year-old boy who has never been to school is content and happy…

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 For my Lagos adventure follow @folatheexplora on Instagram

Useless, Senseless, Undisciplined Or All Of The Above?

There are several things hindering the nation's development. We are aware of corruption, injustice, malnourished children, lecturers on strike, terrible roads, and the newborns dying in hospital incubators because of inconsistent power supply...

In my opinion, it is Nigerians themselves that are stopping their nation from developing. The barrier we face is not a physical one.
Back in 2012, I volunteered in a summer school for orphans, three years on I returned to find the condition of the school had deteriorated.
Karl Marx referred to religion as the 'opium of the people'. A statement I did not grasp until I came to Nigeria. Individuals often used religion as a means to justify their position in society. In Nigeria religion is like a  drug because the masses are addicted, pastors are idolized viewed as demi-gods so continue to grow ridiculously rich whilst the majority of their congregation remain in poverty. I do not attend any church in Lagos, I never have and never will. If you see the reaction when people find out that I'm lounging in my hotel on a Sunday.

I am not sure which was more shocking, the fact that I witnessed a young girl defecating into a gutter in broad daylight or a grown man 50 yards down the road urinating by a 'do not urinate here' sign.

A toddler plays outside a shop, he stands about half a meter away from a gutter. The gutter has overflown, mosquitoes breeding by it, a green algae film floats on top. The combination of rotten food, raw sewage, and stagnant water give off a putrid odor. The mother is fully aware of her toddler playing by this toxic mess. She is unfazed. She has two other children one a few months while the other appears to be five or six years. The mother begins to chastise the eldest child, after a few minutes the eldest child is threatening to beat his toddler sibling.

At the summer school, I see a child limping around. I ask what is wrong, he looks down pointing at his foot. I look down to see his toe on his left foot inflamed, five times its normal size blackish purple with puss oozing out. I call the attention of one of the teachers, she asks him if he has had a tetanus injection. He recalls having one a few months ago. The mother is called to collect him, immediately she lays eyes on the boy she begins to yell claiming whenever she tried to treat him, he ran away because of the pain. His foot had been in that condition for the past five days. When he arrived at the school that morning he was wearing trainers with no socks. Why the mother allowed him to leave the house in trainers to begin with is beyond me. Now you may say she didn't have enough money for her son to be treated in hospital, which was probably the case BUT as a parent you would hate to see your child in such pain,  and you would not want the infection to spread so would expect the wound to be disinfected  twice a day with some form of antiseptic then kept clean and dry. Looking at his foot it was clear that no significant attempt had been made to clean the wound, I guess treating her son was not a priority.

When heavy goods vehicles drove past releasing their black poisonous fumes I almost choked. People looked at me like I was mad, after that, I just held my breath. I would say a high proportion of residents in Ipaja were living in some degree of relative poverty. Those that it applied to had accepted their fate and were content.

No electricity supply for nine days, residents are informed of a technical fault with the electricity grid supplying that area. NEPA (PHCN) send out a worker to resolve the issue, the poor guy is electrocuted and dies in the process. In the single beasts of no nation, Fela sings 'My People Are Useless, my People Are Senseless, my People Are Indisciplined.'  He may have been referring to the politicians in Nigerian government but I think the statement has a somewhat generic feel toward the masses also.

Now for a solution there needs to be an entrenchment of a culture beginning at a grassroots level. A culture that promotes social mobility, collectivism, and sustainability. It is probably best to start at a grassroots level lets say with primary school children,  that way each generation can be socialised into a system where issues and problems experienced in everyday society are challenged .

By running workshops on the likes of anti-bullying and recycling, we are trying to show youngsters that they should start to consider acts or habits that may appear to be of little or no value (take for example throwing litter into a blocked gutter.) Moreover, every single person has the right to a decent standard of living. Your only concern cannot be to attain individual wealth and ignore every other factor around you.

We need a Nigeria where each citizen can connect with his or her national identity. Let us take pride in our nation and let Nigeria be great again!

Lagos Travel Kit

As I'll be arriving in Lagos in six days I thought I'd do a quick run through on the essentials that every traveler NEEDS in Nigeria. 

I have chosen the top ten items that I cannot survive without... Literally.

1) Anti-Malarial Drugs

If you don't take these or take them inconsistently, there's a high chance that you will catch malaria and you really don't want to be taken ill in Nigeria. Some antimalarials can be taken daily, others like mefloquine (below) are taken weekly starting two weeks before departure. Make sure you book an appointment with your GP on time.

2) Mobile Charging Device

Lagos is a busy place so you will often find you need to charge your smartphone or tablet on the go. I use my Puku which is quite bulky compared to hundreds of other charging devices now available. It would be an added advantage if you purchase one that has a torch in case there's a blackout at your location. 

3) Hand Sanitizer

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory in terms of hygiene I carry one as standard in my Longchamp, however, hand washing facilities are readily available some parts of Lagos, not all. Since Lagos has an equatorial climate humidity is around eighty percent or higher, a pack of refreshing body wipes to freshen up on the go would not go amiss either.

4) Two Sims

There's no point roaming your phone in Nigeria, its far too expensive (unless you're a wealthy business executive of course.) I suggest unlocking your phone then purchasing two local sim cards upon arrival. In Lagos the telecommunication industry is one of the fastest growing on the continent. Unfortunately, the mobile networks haven't been able to keep up with this boom so a high volume of users may sometimes mean you can't get through to your driver or friend that's waiting for you in Victoria island.  So when 'this call cannot be connected' switch to your second line and hey presto!

5) Sun Cream 

Whilst teaching in Lagos three years ago I was out in the sun for well over three hours each day and no the sun did not have any mercy on me. I didn't wear suncream so my shoulders were sunburned. Although it's healed I still have the marks which are very annoying. I recommend La Roche-Posay because it can be used by anyone particularly those with sensitive skin like myself and contains high-quality ingredients, unlike other sun lotions that couldn't protect your pet hamster e.g. Soltan, Piz Buin. I use the SPF 50 smooth lotion. The protecting fluid by La Mer is amazing but I prefer La Roche-Posay because it has a more neutral scent. 

6) Bright Luggage Tags 

If you check in your standard black suitcase then prepare to get stuck in a scuffle once you reach the conveyor belt at arrivals. If you don't want to invest in a bright pink suitcase you need a stand-out feature that enables you to spot your suitcase quickly. Bright luggage tags are a good solution because even if you use a suitcase that's identical to another passenger yours is distinguishable by a large coloured 'It's not yours' tag. You can purchase your tags from any travel retailer or customize your own on zazzle.com

7) DEET Mosquito Repellent 

This item is essential if you are prone to being bitten. When I first started going to Nigeria I always carried jungle insect repellent factor 4 - with a fifty percent DEET content it's supposed to be the maximum strength but I found that over time it becomes ineffective. Perhaps the sand flies in Nigeria have built immunity to it... I use a product called odomos now (which I buy in Nigeria) and have not been bitten once :D

8) Sun Hat

As mentioned in my fifth point if your out between midday and late afternoon the sun shall not spare you! To keep cool and sunburn free take a sun hat. If you're in a last-minute rush Primark does pretty decent ones, if you want something suaver then try the Outnet.

For more tips and advice on travelling to Lagos, please visit the link below

Word travels Lagos Travel Expert

The Journey So Far...

Fourteen months after launching my blog I'm still based in the UK.
The reason why I have not yet moved to Lagos is because I am yet to secure employment.
If you check my previous relocation post I was close to relocating after completing my postgraduate studies, YES I was going to move to Nigeria first then start looking for work once I arrived. FOLA ARE YOU CRAZY?

Risk taker indeed...

However, things took a completely different course. Although a qualified teacher, I am yet to complete my national youth service. The NYSC is a government scheme which is compulsory for all Nigerian graduates aged 30 and under (don't quote me O). It entails spending one year on a voluntary work placement which is usually unpaid. However, the federal government pays each corper a monthly allowance.
In the present day, It can be difficult to secure employment in Nigeria if you have not completed your national youth service. The only individuals exempt are those who;
1) Are employed as expats or by transnational corporations (TNCs).
2) Are connected to the oga at the top? (Nigerian version of the old boy's network).
3) Are over the age of thirty.

Unfortunately, I meet none of the criteria above. Had I been teaching for a couple of years then the expat bandwagon would have been within reach. Now with this whole Oga at the top thing I have to keep reminding myself that my parents have lived in the UK for three decades. The majority of their ties have fizzled out over that period, especially since they don't return to Nigeria on holiday as often as I do. My extended family in Nigeria are not based in Lagos and do not fall under the wealthy, or influential category. I don't think I want to serve at all which is rather odd considering I go to Nigeria annually to partake in a range of philanthropist activities.

Six months would have been feasible but a whole year? I hear the allowance is pretty measly hence going from an inner London salary to N40,000 per month? I can just picture myself sitting in my dorm scratching a recharge card hesitating to call my parents in London. I refuse to be a liability! Besides if groveling for cash happens all too often the first thing I will hear is 'who asked you to go and serve? Na by force?'
Anyway, back to my original point, last year I made around fifty applications in several industries from education, to finance, and immigration.
Nine out of 10 times, I got no reply. The companies that did respond said they couldn't take my application through to the next stage because I had not completed my NYSC. Then there's the experience aspect, one particular company replied saying I needed at least seven years lol.

My Nigerian based pals are like 'ah fola, don't bother looking for a job, just identify a gap in the market, write a business plan then come back to start a business.' I'm like yeah cool, not a bad option at all BUT far easier said than done.

It looks like I won't be moving back anytime soon as I'm starting a new job in September :'( all that Suya and Shawarma I could have been chopping...

For more information on the National youth service visit
http://www.nysc.gov.ng/

Before I say I do....

We all know that Nigerians are kings in Africa when it comes to consumerism particularly for social purposes, but the most significant celebration by far in the Nigerian community are weddings.
When I hear the single 'Marry me' by Nigerian artist and comedian Falz, It brings an interesting memory.

Click the link below to watch the video.
Falz - Marry Me Featuring Yemi Alade

I recall standing in my mother's living room. She sits opposite me on the sofa. "With all these your trips to Naija, you haven't yet found someone to show for as your boyfriend." 
She begins to lament the lack of seriousness among the youth in diaspora today.
"I don't understand this your generation, instead of you to go and marry you will be looking at yourselves."  She continues "Your twenty-six in a few months. Four years from now you will be thirty." 
For many Nigerians, it seems the concept of marriage is as simple as walking into a supermarket and purchasing a loaf of Agege bread. With the increasing rate of divorce, I don't think marriage is something I wish to jump or fall into. I was surprised at my mother's comments considering I have two elder siblings, I later found out that they too had received their own marriage lectures separately. 

I had two friends at university who are married now, both met their spouses six or seven months prior to getting engaged. The first now has three children, her mother was eager for her to marry her then boyfriend despite the daughter (my friend) raising concerns about his aggressive behavior. Her spouse is well to do, they currently reside in a large detached house in the suburbs, she drives the latest edition range rover sport and her appearance is what my students would describe as being "On fleek.'' I must admit if you saw her in person you would never guess that she is subject to domestic violence on a daily basis. At times, she would call her mother in anguish. Her mother receives the call from her Abuja mansion (that her son-in-law purchased) and listens whilst her daughter narrates a situation for a good half hour, after which she responds "Just endure my dear, God is in control" with that she hangs up. Meanwhile, the husband is out on womanizing duty and the mother is content knowing that her daughter probably cries herself to sleep, yet coerced her child into marrying a man purely because of material gains - which evidently she had received her own share from.

The second friend had always loved traveling to Lagos on holidays like myself. Interestingly enough she met her husband at a wedding on the island. Things flourished and within a couple of months she called to inform me about the good news. I was surprised... I congratulated her but warned her to approach things with caution. She insisted that he was the "One" they had done several rallies's of prayer and fasting to confirm and that the families had met formally through the introduction process. She returned to Lagos where they were wed, the couple now resides in London. The latest update I got was that her spouse has a wife and four children in his hometown in Nigeria... None of this was mentioned during their introduction, though.

The mother of the groom said three of his siblings had tried to come to the UK several times but were refused entry... He sends part of his wife's earnings as remittance to his family back home whilst he's trying to secure a job. For now, his wife is responsible for the rent and bills.
After discussing with my mother at some length, she rounds up with "but not all marriages are like that. Genuine and god fearing men still exist."  I do not disagree with her statement, neither am I taking a dig at those who get engaged quickly... Another friend got engaged to her spouse four months after meeting him, she has been married six years now and the couple is doing well. I guess every action in life involves an element of risk. Time reveals plenty but it does not reveal all! I'd rather be on the safe side than rush and end up sorry, but the truth I have no safety net because nothing in this life is guaranteed.   

The moral of the story is: Marriage is to be enjoyed not endured, take your time but don't take too long O! and don't be too picky lol easier said than done right? 

@folatheexplora

Please comment and share. 

Yellow Fever

Thanks to my parents my youth was spent absorbing the sounds of Fela Kuti.
My father spoke about Fela often, particularly when discussing Nigerian politics.
I didn't understand why Fela was such a relevant figure in politics and human rights, I simply saw him an artist. I never knew the title of the song back then, but when I heard yellow fever I was immediately hooked to its catchy verses and jazz like beat.

Fast forward almost two decades later, I'm sat in a classroom with a group of year teens (aged 14 and 15) who have been revising for their mock exams. During a short break, I noticed the majority of them on their smartphones.
The female students were on Instagram viewing the likes of; Beyonce, Blac Chyna, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian. I asked what was so fascinating about these celebrities? An interesting discussion followed suit.
'She has a nice body... Her skin is flawless... I so want her shape...she's light skinned... she's perfect... her teeth are so white.'  The male pupils joined with 'if I was a few years older I would move to that.'
(I'm guessing that means they would try and toast them) 

What stunned me was when I heard one student openly profess that she wanted to have cosmetic surgery to alter the shape of her nose. She further went on to say she wished to lighten her skin by three of four shades. I inquired why she felt she needed to do that? Her response... 'but look at lolly sweets though', I replied 'lolly who?' This is not about name dropping but I decided it's time I present the aspirations of your average inner city teenager to the world.
I turned to the whiteboard and created two headings; Ideal man and Ideal woman. The pupils were to list the characteristics of what they deemed for each. Not surprisingly the ideal woman was fair in complexion, with long hair and white teeth. She was slim, top heavy, with a small waist and large hips.

I met with the pupil who mentioned cosmetic surgery one to one. She said she was often teased because of the shape of her nose saying it was too African, she was also called black and ugly because of her dark complexion. Growing up she noticed that light skinned girls were liked by everyone, they were the ones to always win competitions, and always had people willing to assist them. Her mother was fairer than herself and used bleaching creams to maintain her skin tone. She closed by detailing how she wished to marry a white man so that her children wouldn't have the same experience that she did. Her comments hit me in a way I did not expect. I was mortified. This young lady was convinced that lighter skinned individuals had better life chances and I was able to see why.

Despite the fact that Slavery was abolished over one hundred and eighty years ago it appears that both African and western societies still perpetuate a subconscious mentality that promotes a white ideal. Steve Biko stated that 'being black is not a matter of pigmentation, being black is a reflection of mental attitude.'
Hence proven in the recent case of Simone Powderly, who was told to take out her braids by her recruitment agency. View link below.

http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/lose-braids-or-lose-job

In yellow fever, Fela depicts skin bleaching as a mental sickness. Four decades after its release, skin bleaching is no new phenomena. I do not promote it but I can understand why people do it. With extreme cases such as Irene major; a successful dark skinned model who underwent intensive bleaching regimes to acquire a light complexion... why someone would decide to do such after breaking into and establishing herself in a covertly racist industry is beyond me, thus evident that the roots of skin bleaching are not so clear cut. I only hope she feels happier now that she fits the ideal.

Who steal my bleaching?
My precious bleaching?
I buy am for shopping
For forty naira
How I go yellow?
How I go find out?
I go die o
I go die o
I go die o

Nigeria: From Goodluck To Bad Luck

As my love affair with the former capital continues, I am reluctant to admit that there is a multitude of issues dwelling in the nation we call Nigeria today. We appear to have reached a point of stagnancy.

Once upon a time (1983 to be precise) one pound was equivalent to one point two naira. Today, that same pound will give you three hundred and fourteen Naira...So what has happened over the past three decades?

The Dictator 

Many relish Buhari as a harsh military dictator which is not an unfair statement, however, in 1983 the Nigerian economy was indeed far healthier than it is today. During Buhari's time in office, my parents often recall things that I could never imagine happening in Nigeria; the fact that people would queue in an orderly fashion at post offices, the price of peppers at local markets were the same with each vendor.
The most significant thing I picked from their talks was the fear instilled in citizens. People were afraid to commit an offence. Then again the thought of  soldiers coming along to beat them senseless would have deterred anyone. Imagine being thrown into prison without any thorough questioning, the appointment of a lawyer or trial.
Thirty years on we have progressed to the other end of extremity. We have gone from having a disciplinarian who ruled with an iron fist, to a nation with lenience as its middle name.

The Transition

Now let me say this, the sole reason I have not yet relocated is because of insecurity. That is not to say Lagos is not safe.
As a geographer, there wouldn't be anything more fulfilling than exploring the diverse landscape that Nigeria has to offer, however if I want to fly to plateau or perhaps take a trip to Kaduna or cross river state, as a single woman travelling alone I cannot guarantee my safety.
Whilst working for the NNPC as a petroleum technician, my father recalls flying to multiple states in Nigeria for weekend excursions with Nigeria airways. Today this Airline ceases to exist. With regards to petroleum, I cannot find any logical sense in sending our own resource out of the country to be refined, only to send it back to ourselves?
The majority of Nigerians in diaspora emigrated due to poor infrastructure and insecurity. Over a number of years, the poverty in Nigeria perpetuated by inequality and poor governance has only polarized.

Try switching your refrigerator off intermittently for three hours each day. After a day or two, your fridge is empty because all perishable food items would have been disposed of...Imagine coming home from work, you want to have a warm shower but PHCN (formally known as NEPA national electric power authority) have 'taken light' and you don't have enough money to buy petrol for your generator, so it's either a cold shower or no shower...Imagine it's payday, only to find you haven't been paid. This event reoccurs the next month and the month after you only receive half of what you are due...Imagine being denied access to your own pension....These are the dilemmas faced by ordinary Nigerians on a daily basis.

I have not experienced this as a tourist but my experience teaching at a summer school two years ago was an eye-opener. I became an ordinary Lagosian, living and working in the midst of those who were trying to survive. The generator at my accommodation functioned with restrictions. Cold showers became the norm after a few days, if there was an issue with the water pump there were no showers. Thank God for baby wipes lol. With the humid weather, Lagos is the not the place you want to be without water, yet thousands if not millions of citizens do not have access to consistent water or electricity supply. What if the next person cannot afford deodorant? I have no choice but to endure his body odour as I sit next to him on the danfo bus. My facial expression would go all contorted.
For those voting on the basis of religion, please do not be an enemy of progress, you now have an extra six weeks to make your decision. Nigeria has fallen far below international standards.
I recently asked my pupils to draw a brainstorm with Nigeria as the topic theme; the top three responses were; 419, village, and corruption. I often ask myself how close this image comes to the reality?

There are millions of hardworking Nigerians worldwide, nevertheless, the truth is that corruption is rampant to the extent that it has become the norm. It's acceptable, this is why citizens are able to commit all manners of atrocities and walk away scot-free, as long as you have your cash to keep people quiet you are above the law. Where is the democracy in that?
We need a zero tolerance policy. we need a team of competent enthusiasts, we need a government that work in the interests of ordinary Nigerians, not the 1% elite at the top, ensuring they get richer at the expense of the masses.

I shall round this off with a few questions; Why do Nigerians go to the UK, USA and India for healthcare treatment? Why do the affluent send their children to universities in the west? Why do they go to Paris or London for shopping? Can all these things not be done in our country?

Please vote wisely.

Thanks for reading